Articles tagged with Home Care
Rural home health care agencies initiate care more quickly and consistently perform better on care process measures. In contrast, urban agencies excel in preventing hospitalization and emergency room visits during home care over time.
A recent study found that nearly a quarter of home health care workers rate their general health as fair or poor, with 1 in 5 reporting poor mental health. Factors contributing to poorer health include low household income, cost barriers, and history of depression.
A $3.1 million NIH grant will fund a trial testing multidisciplinary telehealth intervention to reduce racial disparities in blood pressure control and stroke recurrence among adult stroke survivors. The study aims to identify social determinants of health that impact outcomes and explore ways to address them.
A study found an increase in older adults receiving help at home with daily activities from 2011 to 2017, potentially reflecting changes in post-discharge care. This shift may be related to the changing location and payment for care away from Medicare-reimbursed facilities.
Researchers found that participants with moderate dementia performed better in cluttered environments, while those with mild and severe dementia showed no significant difference. The study suggests that adapting physical environments to suit individual needs may be more effective than de-cluttering in supporting people with dementia.
Researchers found that patients enrolled in COVID Watch, an automated texting system, were 68% less likely to die than those not using it. The system used algorithmically guided text message conversations with patients and was credited with saving 1.8 lives per 1,000 patients at 30 days.
A new study at the University of Missouri found that telehealth reduced stress for nursing home residents while increasing access to convenient care. However, it also removed socialization opportunities and created confusion for residents with cognitive difficulties.
A new study published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies found that home care patients who prefer a language other than English are more likely to be readmitted to hospital within 30 days. The study suggests that addressing language gaps is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Older adults who lived at home with family and friends were more likely to be discharged home after surgery. Patients who relied on informal caregivers had a higher risk of readmission, highlighting the importance of their role in post-operative care.
A study published in JNCCN found that 45% of people with cancer prefer telemedicine over in-person visits, while general patient satisfaction scores are equally high. The research also revealed that patients preferred video conferencing over audio-only appointments and that telemedicine can reduce treatment-related costs.
A study by TUM demonstrated the effectiveness of an ear sensor in monitoring COVID-19 risk patients remotely, providing timely hospitalization when necessary. The sensor enabled high-quality monitoring comparable to hospital care, with great patient satisfaction and improved safety outcomes.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found a significant inverse relationship between oral health and COVID-19 severity, as well as delayed recovery and increased inflammation in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Researchers recommend maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent or decrease COVID-19 disease severity.
A new study highlights the challenges faced by unpaid caregivers of chronically ill or disabled loved ones during the pandemic. The survey found that 60% of caregivers experienced at least one challenge related to accessing medical care for their loved ones, leading to increased stress, depression, and isolation.
A mixed-methods analysis found that most surgical patients prefer virtual follow-up care for its convenience, which does not compromise patient satisfaction. The study highlights the potential benefits of virtual visits in improving access to care and reducing barriers for patients.
A new study highlights significant disparities in dementia care availability by gender, race, ethnicity, education level, and family structure. The findings emphasize the importance of family caregivers, with those having available spouse or adult child support being less likely to move into nursing homes.
The study evaluated the impact of the program on patient engagement and clinical outcomes. Patient engagement rates reached 78.9%, highlighting the efficacy of virtual care at home during the pandemic.
A US nationwide cohort study found that nearly 85% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were not back to their pre-COVID lives one month later. The study also revealed significant factors driving people's inability to recover, including a lack of follow-up healthcare services and new disabilities preventing daily activities.
A research team from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that delivering acute care at home for non-COVID patients freed up substantial inpatient capacity during the COVID-19 surge. The Home Hospital program provided care for 65 acutely ill patients, amounting to 419 bed-days, over a 3-month period.
A study by the University of Nottingham found that managing medications at the end of life can be a significant 'work' task for families. The research highlights the need for healthcare professionals to provide tailored support and for simplifying Health and Social Care services to make them more navigable.
A new study found that fully vaccinated care home residents are still at risk of COVID-19, with the vaccine being less effective in older adults. The study showed that unvaccinated residents were three times more likely to develop the infection than those who had received two doses of the vaccine.
A new study from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Regenstrief Institute, IUPUI, and Mount Sinai researchers reports that primary care physicians recognize the need for improved care coordination. They welcome electronic health information exchange (HIE) event notifications as a means to enhance patient care.
A total of 548 studies were included in the map, with substantial evidence for interventions promoting basic needs and mobility in older adults at home. Few studies have looked at impacts on social participation, financial security, ability to maintain relationships, and communication.
Experts warn that mandatory vaccination for care home workers in England is unnecessary, disproportionate, and misguided. The authors highlight that uptake of the first dose of covid-19 vaccination among care workers is below 80% in only three London areas, but this can be attributed to very low numbers of staff employed by these homes.
A new online calculator, RESPECT, uses big data to predict death within 6 months in older adults, prioritizing quality of remaining life over curative care. The tool was developed based on data from over 491,000 community-dwelling older adults and aims to support families and healthcare professionals in planning end-of-life care.
A new study by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing found that continuity of nursing care improves patient outcomes for people with dementia. The research showed that increased continuity of care leads to a lower risk of rehospitalization, even after controlling for other clinical risk factors and the intensity of home health care.
A new special issue of The Gerontologist explores strategies to improve the long-term care workforce, including diverse approaches to care and flexible models. The collection aims to provide positive guidance for future research and policy, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A third of Americans employ unregulated caregivers for older adults and those with dementia, highlighting gaps in access to care. Gray market caregivers often lack training and screening, increasing potential for exploitation or abuse.
Research presented at ATS 2021 International Conference found that seniors eligible for Medicaid have 60% more disabilities compared to those without Medicaid. Dual Medicare-Medicaid status is associated with a 30% increase in post-ICU disabilities after adjusting for variables such as age and education.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reports findings on Huntsman at Home, a cancer hospital-at-home model that demonstrates lower costs and better outcomes for patients. The study found that participants had 55% fewer hospitalizations and 47% lower healthcare costs compared to those who did not participate.
The program, called Practical Alternative to Hospitalization (PATH), uses advanced practice providers and personalized plans to support patients after visiting the emergency department. Nearly 9 out of 10 patients enrolled in PATH did not need to return to the hospital for care within a month.
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a 44% increase in insomnia disorder among health care workers, with the highest rates among those who spent less time in direct patient care. Surprisingly, about 10% of faculty physicians and nurses reported their insomnia improving after the onset of the pandemic.
A new study highlights the importance of comprehensive NICU discharge planning in preparing parents to care for their medically needy infants at home. Families who were both satisfied and prepared had better outcomes than those who were not, with higher-risk groups benefiting from additional education and training.
A new study suggests that home health care growth is 'small and inadequate' compared to the increasing demand in an aging America. Targeted policies are needed to support home-based medical care.
A longitudinal study found that adherence to the Medicare Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Early Management Bundle (SEP-1) had variable effects on sepsis treatment and patient outcomes. Researchers suggest that clinicians may have discretion in applying SEP-1 components to focus on aspects of care driving improvements in patient outcomes.
A new study found that family child care home providers with high diet self-efficacy can buffer the impact of stress on their diet quality. Those with low self-efficacy are negatively affected by stress and have a poorer diet quality.
Hospitalized ischemic stroke patients who received palliative or hospice care experienced improved quality of life. However, disparities persist in comfort care utilization, particularly among non-white patients. Factors associated with higher comfort care utilization included older age, female sex, and private health insurance.
Researchers developed a new tool to capture patients' opinions on home dialysis care, highlighting the importance of communication and care coordination. The Home Dialysis Care Experience instrument will be valuable for future research, clinical care, and quality improvement initiatives among home dialysis facilities.
The article suggests paying for elderly care homes in lower-income countries as a practical solution to the eldercare crisis. The proposed policy would enable older citizens to access affordable and decent care, while also benefiting local economies.
A UK study found that the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 spread rapidly in care homes across England, reflecting its rapid growth in the general population. The proportion of infections caused by this variant increased sharply between late November and December, with a notable rise among older residents.
A new study from the University of Chicago found that nursing homes with larger proportions of non-White residents experience higher rates of COVID-19 deaths due to size and local community spread, not underlying health or quality of care. The study suggests that large facilities are more vulnerable to outbreaks.
A study found that alcohol withdrawal rates among hospitalized patients rose 34% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, conducted at ChristianaCare, suggests that hospital systems need to screen for and treat alcohol use withdrawal and refer patients for ongoing treatment.
A genomics study found that SARS-CoV-2 spreads rapidly in care home settings, with clusters linked to healthcare workers and vulnerable residents. Care home residents were less likely to be admitted to ICU but more likely to die compared to non-care home hospital patients.
A $35 million program implementing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in 16 Missouri nursing homes reduced avoidable hospitalizations and emergency room visits, resulting in better overall health and cost savings. The APRNs' advanced training enabled them to recognize early issues and implement evidence-based interventions.
A new report proposes a system of universal coverage to support the long-term care of all older Americans, aiming to protect against financial catastrophe and create a more stable funding stream. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for reform in the US system of long-term services and supports.
A MU study found that implementing the Re-Engineered Discharge program in mid-Missouri nursing homes improved care coordination and reduced patient rehospitalization rates. The program's gradual training approach led to better implementation of discharge plans, resulting in lower readmission rates.
A new tool, DECODR, scans for potential errors in CRISPR gene repair, revealing risks to patients. The affordable app uses open-source software and can detect a wide range of DNA mutations at a fraction of the cost.
A COVID-19 telemonitoring program, implemented by Kaiser Permanente's Virtual Home Care Program, successfully reduced hospital admissions and ER visits. The program utilized daily telemedicine check-ins to monitor patients' oxygen levels, ultimately keeping them out of the hospital or emergency room.
A study analyzing data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study found that satisfaction with end-of-life care was highest when individuals died at home. Individuals who received hospice care were more likely to die at home, regardless of their cognitive health.
A recent study by UCSF-led researchers highlights the devastating impact of the pandemic on 4.3 million older adults with cognitive impairment living alone. These individuals experience extreme isolation, misinformation, and barriers to accessing medical care, leading to increased distress and negative health outcomes.
A USF Health-Tampa General Hospital study found that obese women experience worse outcomes after postpartum hemorrhage, even with the same medical treatment. The researchers suggest that certain groups of high-risk obstetric patients, such as obese women, may need additional support or a different treatment protocol.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that remote monitoring using wearable step counters and conversational text messaging reduced hospital returns after joint surgery by 4x. The 'Hovering' program improved patient recovery and activity levels, with significant declines in hospital readmissions.
A national poll of people aged 50 to 80 found that nearly one in four have visited an emergency department in the last two years due to cost, COVID-19 risk, or delays. Health providers can improve acute care by better supporting older adults during and after medical emergencies.
A study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine found that 95.5% of individuals who died with a COVID-19 diagnosis in the Mass General Brigham health system between February and May 2020 did so in the hospital. The majority of these deaths occurred in the intensive care unit.
New research highlights the need for individualized treatment plans and instructions to prevent adverse events during transitions. Patients returning home face challenges managing medication, therapy, and care transitions due to COVID-19.
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Jo-Ana Chase found that family caregivers often struggle with medical and nursing tasks after a hospital-to-home transition. Resources like home health care nurses or aides can serve as a central point-of-contact to improve coordinated care.
A systematic review of palliative care services worldwide reveals significant variations in length of care provided to patients, with the average global duration being just 18.9 days. The study highlights a stark shortfall in palliative care provision, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that home health care significantly improved symptoms and functional outcomes for COVID-19 patients after hospital discharge. The study involved over 1,400 patients who received skilled nursing and physical therapy at home, resulting in a 94% improvement rate.
Researchers describe the rapid deployment of a virtual hospital program during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding potential benefits in providing additional inpatient capacity. Meanwhile, a study on 60-day postdischarge outcomes among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 reveals ongoing morbidity and financial loss for most survivors.
A study identified seven pathways to kindergarten, including children cared for mainly at home, in a center-based program, or switching between different types of care. Despite this diversity, test scores did not show significant differences between children from each pathway.
A new study published in BMC Medicine reveals that informal carers provide more than half of total care costs in the UK, Ireland, and US during the last three months of life. The research emphasizes the need for improved integration and support for community palliative care services to enhance care quality and reduce burden on caregivers.