Articles tagged with Nursing Homes
A recent study by Brown University researchers found that Medicare's 'three-day rule' keeps patients in hospitals longer than needed without improving health outcomes or lowering Medicare costs. The reinstatement of the rule resulted in at least 2,000 additional hospital days.
A Medicaid policy promoting high nursing home staffing levels was associated with modest improvements in patient health. The study estimates that similar reform nationwide could prevent 6,142 fewer hospitalizations annually.
The US saw a decline in nursing home capacity between 2019 and 2024, with rural areas experiencing the greatest declines. The decline was linked to longer hospital stays and increased distance between patients' homes and available nursing facilities.
A case-crossover study found that air conditioning in nursing homes reduces mortality among older adults during extreme heat. The study suggests that AC provision may be crucial for preventing mortality in congregate care settings.
The new guideline recommends full-time infection prevention staff, comprehensive training, and support for all staff, as well as partnerships with hospitals and public health agencies. This guidance aims to reduce the risk of infections in nursing homes, saving lives and money.
A recent study by Willa Granger examines the transformation of nursing homes in postwar America, tracing the development of the modern nursing home industry through the lens of the Americana Corporation. The research reveals how federal programs and corporate models reshaped eldercare, prioritizing scale and replication over community ...
A new study finds that benzodiazepines and antipsychotics prescribed to patients with dementia receiving hospice care may carry major unintended risks, including increased mortality. The study highlights two policy issues: lack of oversight of medication use in hospice and a mismatch between hospice policy and dementia care.
A major international review found that targeted approaches such as regular supervised exercise, vitamin D supplements, and improved nutrition can significantly reduce falls in aged care homes. The study also highlights the importance of individualized programs delivered with strong staff engagement.
Research highlights preventable harms of intensive diabetes and hypertension treatment in frail older adults, calling for personalized care approaches that prioritize patient safety. Guidelines recommend cautious individualized care, but complications remain alarmingly common.
A study by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that older adults participate more in social activities after moving into long-term care facilities. However, gaps in access to these opportunities persist, affecting men, nursing home residents from minority groups, and those with lower participation rates before admi...
New research highlights the transformative power of digital technology in shaping the e-patient era, enabling active participation and co-production in healthcare. Key technological innovations have built upon each other, providing patients with unprecedented tools for self-care and interaction with the healthcare system.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that up to 40% of hospital transfers from nursing homes can be avoided. The study identified common medical conditions linked to unnecessary hospitalizations, including feeding tube complications and urinary tract infections.
A new study identifies postoperative delirium as a preventable complication affecting roughly one in 30 older adult patients, significantly increasing their risk for poor outcomes. Simple cost-effective strategies can curb downstream costs and suffering associated with this condition.
A special issue of Journal of Intensive Medicine provides key insights into selecting optimal non-invasive respiratory support strategies for AHRF, featuring review articles and original research. The collection offers guidance on the efficacy of HFNC, CPAP, NIV, and awake prone positioning to improve patient outcomes.
A new poll by Michigan Medicine reveals that nearly two-thirds of Americans over 50 believe Medicare will cover their nursing home costs, despite it not currently paying for this type. Only half have taken key actions to prepare for long-term care needs. The poll also shows that 70% of people who survive to age 65 will need long-term c...
Researcher Randi Olsson Haave emphasizes the importance of patients' experiences and interpersonal relationships in assessing quality. Currently, quality indicators focus on quantifiable aspects rather than experience-based measures.
A new free training course provides actionable communication strategies to reshape public perceptions of nursing homes. The course offers practical solutions to improve understanding of nursing home care and its impact.
Cynthia Jacelon, a renowned nurse and researcher, has developed the Jacelon Attributed Dignity Scale (JADS), a widely used concept to measure dignity in older adults. Her work focuses on rehabilitation care and promoting function in vulnerable populations.
A study found that RSV hospitalization rates increase progressively with age among older adults in Spain, with those over 85 years old facing the highest risk. Certain chronic conditions, such as blood cancer, COPD, and cardiovascular disease, also significantly increase the risk of hospitalization.
Researchers have revamped a symptom assessment instrument to address pain, anxiety, and other symptoms of nursing home residents who are cognitively impaired. The new tool reliably captures physical and emotional distress, well-being, and end-of-life symptoms, providing guidance for expanding palliative care services in nursing homes.
A recent study found a significant increase in long-term nursing home stay or death among older adults hospitalized with sepsis during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results suggest that all individuals, regardless of race and ethnicity, experienced increased mortality rates compared to before the pandemic.
A recent UC Irvine-led study found that nursing homes experiencing staffing instability see changes in their Five-Star Quality Rating System scores. Adding this metric would empower families and encourage facilities to prioritize consistent staffing.
A recent study from the University of Notre Dame found that robot use in nursing homes is associated with increased employment, improved productivity, and a higher quality of care. The research also suggests that robots may reduce physical strain on workers, allowing them to focus on tasks better suited for human beings.
A recent study by Mizzou researchers found that nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias are more likely to experience avoidable hospital transfers due to a mismatch between care provided and personal preferences. Increasing staff support, training, and resources can help improve outcomes for these residents.
A new study by the University of Waterloo found that nearly 68% of Canadian patients who used antipsychotics had more behavioral issues than before medication. Non-drug therapies like music and social interaction have been shown to help manage behavior without antipsychotics.
This study reveals regional disparities in home healthcare use for older adults, with higher rates in areas with high population densities. Urban areas tend to have more enhanced clinics, leading to increased home visit rates, while less populated areas rely on conventional clinics and lower home visit rates.
Researchers found that confined environments influence sense of smell, while VR simulations evoke stronger emotions and aroma perceptions. The study aims to improve diets for isolated individuals by personalizing aromas.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that unclear procedures and distribution of responsibilities among healthcare workers can lead to poor oral health in older adults in nursing homes. The researchers suggest that a more structured process can promote communication and awareness of good oral health practices.
Researchers found that expanded screening protocols identified eight cases of Candida auris that would have gone undiagnosed, enabling prompt isolation and disinfection precautions. The new approach promotes early detection and targeted precautions to reduce hospital outbreaks.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $15.5 million to establish a national network structure to include more nursing home residents in clinical trials. The NEXT STEPs initiative aims to remove barriers to participation and increase the quality of clinical trials conducted in nursing homes.
A new study shows that healthcare costs, including medical care, prescription drugs, and long-term care, are among the top health-related concerns of older adults heading into the US election. Financial scams and fraud also made the top six concerns, with significant differences among age, gender, and political ideology.
A recent study found that medical and educational debt collectively exceeds $150 billion among US health care workers. Educational debts disproportionately burden Black workers, while medical debts are more prevalent among women, home health personnel, and those with recent hospitalizations.
A qualitative study found that palliative care is underutilized in nursing homes, despite the need for symptom management and supportive care. Researchers propose creating a best practice model and evidence-based referral criteria to address this healthcare gap.
Marilyn Rantz's Quality Improvement Program for Missouri (QIPMO) improves care quality in nursing homes, reducing avoidable hospitalizations. The program is now being emulated nationwide for its proven track record of success.
A study of nearly 30,000 nursing home residents found that blood pressure medications increase the risk of life-threatening bone fractures, particularly in patients with dementia and low baseline balance. The medication's tendency to impair balance, especially when patients first stand up, contributes to this increased risk.
A new study using wearable Bluetooth devices found that staff members dominated social interactions in four UK care homes, with residents having limited social contact. The findings suggest that wearable technology can be used to improve quality of care by reducing isolation and increasing interaction between staff and residents.
A new poll suggests health-related costs are a major concern for older Americans of all backgrounds, with five out of six very concerning issues involving health costs. Nearly half say they're very concerned about the cost of prescription medications, while nearly half also express concerns about dental care.
A commentary highlights the importance of including nursing home residents in clinical trials to address health equity concerns. The authors propose key elements for successful nursing home clinical trials and emphasize the benefits of conducting research in this setting.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that understaffed nursing homes in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to overmedicate residents with antipsychotics. The researchers suggest that increasing staffing levels could help reduce the use of these medications and address the root causes of behavioral issues.
A new study finds that initiating antihypertensive medication in older long-term care residents increases fracture risk, particularly among those with dementia. The study advises caution when prescribing antihypertensives to this vulnerable population.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for high-quality dementia care in nursing homes, where residents face social isolation and staff challenges. Experts emphasize person-centered care, resident involvement, and community connections to improve outcomes.
A quasi-experimental study of 35 health care facilities found chlorhexidine bathing and nasal decolonization to be effective in reducing multidrug-resistant organism prevalence. The interventions also led to decreased infection-related hospitalizations, costs, and deaths among nursing home residents.
Researchers found that specialized nursing facility clinicians (SNFists) can decrease the likelihood of nursing home residents experiencing stressful hospitalizations. Care from SNFists also improved the quality of life in their last days, with a 6% decreased risk of hospitalizations due to various reasons. The study suggests increasin...
Research shows elderly patients in rural areas have higher mortality rates when discharged under pressure, particularly in municipalities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. The study highlights the need for better municipal services and care facilities to address the aging crisis in Norway.
New research from Flinders University found that regular exercise and a personalized falls prevention plan based on individual needs can reduce the likelihood of falls. The studies also highlighted the importance of having an individual falls risk assessment and modifying strategies according to specific circumstances, such as dementia.
A study of Medicare patients in 2022 revealed disparities in COVID-19 therapy access based on patient age, race and ethnicity, Medicaid eligibility, and nursing home residence. Higher-risk individuals received COVID-19 therapy less often than those with lower risk factors.
Researchers at Rutgers University analyzed Medicare records to identify nine distinct end-of-life care trajectories among older Americans. The study found that nearly all patients followed one of these paths in their last three years of life, with significant variations by sociodemographic and health-related factors.
A UC Irvine-led study finds that increased staffing improves outcomes for all patients, but disparities persist between high- and low-dementia facilities. Specialized training and a secure environment are critical to meeting the unique challenges of dementia care.
A pilot pragmatic clinical trial found daily-delivered meals lowered nursing home placement risk among people with self-reported dementia. Although not statistically significant, the feasibility of this intervention warrants further exploration in a larger trial.
A digital training program improved the lives of people with dementia in UK care homes, reducing sedative medication and increasing social interactions. The iWHELD programme delivered personalized care and encouraged meaningful connections, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new app aims to improve information exchange between hospitals and nursing homes, reducing adverse events. The app provides a seamless transition of care for patients, enabling nurses to access up-to-date information at their fingertips.
A new study highlights the experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ older adults living in nursing homes, outlining best facility practices for a welcoming environment. The research emphasizes the importance of respecting residents' autonomy and providing valuable resources for care.
This study reveals racial and ethnic differences in hospice use, with Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black individuals having lower odds of receiving hospice care. Hispanic individuals had the highest odds of a short hospice stay, highlighting potential barriers to access and acceptance among low-income populations.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 can leave a lasting impact on older adults living in nursing homes, causing them to need more help with daily activities and experience a decline in brain function. The study found that those who tested positive for COVID had effects that lasted up to nine months.
A U-M study links increased physical independence, gut microbiome disrupting antibiotics, and hand contamination to vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) environmental contamination in nursing homes. The study suggests that reducing antibiotic use and improving hand hygiene could control VRE spread.
Research by University of Colorado geriatrician Kenneth Lam found that the average person moving into a nursing home is already severely disabled and receiving 27 hours of care per week. Assisted living residents are less likely to be severely disabled but still receive significant support.
People with dementia experience a rapid rise in unpaid and paid home care, and major erosion of net worth. Family members face significant demands, providing an average of 45 hours of care per month.
Researchers found that using chlorhexidine bathing routine and an over-the-counter antiseptic to clean the nose can significantly reduce serious infections and antibiotic-resistant organisms in nursing homes. The study involved nearly 14,000 residents at 28 California nursing homes and showed a substantial reduction in hospital transfe...
A new NIH grant will survey healthcare workers caring for people with dementia, gathering data to inform better care and policy. The study aims to understand workforce shortages, payment policies, and regulation, with a focus on direct care workers often overlooked.
A new study by George Washington University found that unionization increases employer compliance with OSHA's reporting requirements, leading to safer nursing homes. Non-unionized nursing homes are less likely to report workplace injuries and illnesses, making it difficult for policymakers to track and prevent these incidents.