Articles tagged with Nursing Homes
A new study by University of Waterloo researchers reveals that for-profit long-term care homes owned by private equity firms and large chains have the highest mortality rates during COVID-19. The study found a correlation between financialization of senior housing and lower quality care, with prioritizing profits over patient outcomes.
Researchers found fecal transplants increase IL-25, reducing tissue inflammation and boosting immune system response to C. difficile infections. The transplants also promote beneficial microbial diversity, helping patients heal from life-threatening diarrhea.
A recent study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that nursing homes acquired by private equity companies have lower quality of care and higher Medicare costs. Residents at these facilities were 11% more likely to have emergency room visits and hospitalizations, resulting in $1,080 higher annual Medicare costs.
A recent study of 9,900 US nursing homes found that private equity acquisition was associated with higher Medicare costs and increased emergency department visits and hospitalizations for preventable conditions. The study highlights concerns about the impact of corporate ownership on nursing home quality and cost.
A new UCSF study shows that solo seniors with social support are less likely to need nursing home care. Older adults who said they could count on a friend or relative for assistance in the event of a health crisis reduced their risk of institutional care from 14.2% to 10.9%. The study found that many older adults can take care of thems...
A study of 4,700 older adults found that those with social support had a lower likelihood of prolonged nursing home stays after a sudden health change. Having identifiable social support was associated with improved outcomes and reduced risk of extended care.
A new study reveals that 90% of COVID-19 patient rooms have detectable coronavirus on at least one surface, with the virus persisting days later on TV remote controls and nurse call buttons. Regular cleaning is crucial to prevent spread among vulnerable populations.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry reveals that older psychiatric patients are more likely to be restrained in non-emergency situations than younger adults. The research examined over 226,000 Ontario inpatient records and found a significant association between age, risk of falls, physical disability, and psychiatric symptoms...
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.
The study aims to identify strategies that nursing homes used to overcome challenges related to the pandemic and develop recommendations for improving quality of care and patient health outcomes. By analyzing more than 500 Missouri nursing homes, researchers hope to find patterns for what went well or what can be improved.
A recent study investigated a COVID-19 outbreak among fully vaccinated residents and healthcare professionals in a French nursing home. The study highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing severe illness but also underscores the limitations of current vaccines.
Researchers will examine protective immunity in older adults and assess the duration of immunity against emerging strains of COVID-19. The study aims to inform booster vaccine recommendations for seniors.
A cross-sectional study of US nursing homes found approximately 44% of pre-reporting COVID-19 cases and 40% of pre-reporting deaths were not reported in the NHSN. This suggests an underreporting of over 68,000 unreported cases and 16,000 unreported deaths nationally.
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.
A national study shows that reducing US jail populations leads to community-wide public health benefits, as overcrowded facilities become 'infectious disease incubators' for COVID-19. Decarceration reduces the spread of SARS-CoV-2, benefiting both those released and communities nationwide.
A study examined the association between COVID-19 and prescription medication changes among nursing home residents in Ontario, Canada. The researchers found significant changes in medication prescribing patterns before and after the pandemic onset.
A study from Regenstrief Institute identified patterns in the course of COVID-19 in frail nursing home residents, revealing a range of symptoms and outcomes. The research provides insights into the long-term effects of COVID-19 on survivors and informs efforts to confront outbreaks.
A study found that COVID-19 outbreaks in French nursing homes were primarily caused by infected staff, rather than environmental factors or resident characteristics. The results suggest that even with strict hygiene measures in place, staff infections can still lead to outbreaks among residents.
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 study estimates excess mortality rates among US assisted living residents during the pandemic, finding increased mortality rates consistent with those observed in nursing homes. The results highlight the need for improved care and support measures for vulnerable populations.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that COVID-19 geriatric care significantly impacted the mental health of nursing home staff, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. The lack of PPE, fear of contracting COVID, and isolation due to lockdowns contributed to these negative outcomes.
A simulation study examined the impact of frequent testing and immunity-based staffing on COVID-19 transmission in nursing homes. The results showed that these interventions can significantly reduce the risk of transmission, making them effective strategies for preventing outbreaks.
A pilot program in five Australian nursing homes shows personalized music selections reduce resident agitation and staff stress levels, leading to improved wellbeing and reduced medication use.
Two studies from Indiana University and Regenstrief Institute found discrepancies between recorded POLST orders and current treatment preferences among nursing home residents. Regular review and update of these documents are crucial to ensure they reflect changing situations and patient wishes.
A USC study projects significant savings for US state Medicaid programs if treatments helping patients with Alzheimer's disease live independently longer are introduced. The study forecasts annual savings of $7.4 billion in 2030 and over $22 billion by 2040, preventing over one million patient-years of nursing home use.
A large study found that risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection differed from those for hospitalization and death in U.S. nursing homes. Risk of infection was mainly dependent on nursing home and community factors, while hospitalization risk varied more with patient-specific characteristics such as age, BMI, and ethnicity.
A study found that US nursing home residents with underlying health conditions, older age, and those living in facilities with poor ventilation were at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The study also showed that hospitalization and mortality rates were higher among these groups.
A new study by UC San Francisco found that approximately 5 million Americans, or 42% of those with mobility constraints, lacked essential devices such as grab bars and shower seats. The research emphasizes the importance of affordable and accessible assistive devices to improve quality of life for elderly individuals.
A new study published in Health Affairs found that COVID-19 mortality rates among nursing home residents declined from March to November 2020. The deadliest period for nursing home residents followed the pandemic's arrival when the virus spiked in spring 2020, and improved PPE use and testing contributed to the decline.
Researchers examined nursing homes in high-infection-rate communities to identify characteristics linked to resident COVID-19 infection. The study found that certain nursing home features, such as staff turnover and ventilation systems, were significantly associated with higher infection rates.
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.
Researchers proposed a novel protocol for pooling COVID-19 tests to monitor spread and detect outbreaks in closed communities. The method accounts for false-negative test results using mathematical models that estimate the risk of diluting positive samples.
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 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.
An observational study found racial differences in COVID-19 deaths among US nursing home residents, with disparities attributed to factors like racial composition and socioeconomic status. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
A Danish parental-leave program reduced hospital nurse employment by 15% and nursing home staff by 10%, leading to a decline in care quality and a significant increase in nursing home mortality rates. The study estimates that a one percent reduction in nurse employment increases one-year nursing home mortality among the elderly by 1.9%.
Georgia State University and Emory University collaborate to train nursing home staff in innovative telementoring model to prevent SARS-CoV-2 spread. The ECHO model provides virtual community of learners, sharing best practices and knowledge on infection control, care for asymptomatic residents, and reducing social isolation.
A recent study of over 5,500 US nursing home residents with COVID-19 found that increased age, male sex, and impaired cognitive and physical function were independent risk factors for all-cause 30-day mortality. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations
More than 230 Indiana nursing homes signed up for a program to improve COVID-19 preparedness, safety and infection control. The ECHO program offers weekly calls for nursing home leaders to discuss best practices and share experiences.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has updated clinical recommendations on evaluating symptoms to diagnose infections in nursing home residents. The guidance emphasizes that subtle non-specific signs and symptoms should not automatically prompt a work-up for infection.
Researchers at Brown University are tracking COVID-19 vaccine adverse events among nursing home residents due to the group's high risk of severe illness. The study uses electronic medical records and aims to identify potential side effects, which may be critical for protecting this vulnerable population.
A study from Indiana University School of Nursing and IU Center for Aging Research at Regenstrief Institute found that nursing home residents with POLST forms had a concordance rate of 59% compared to 35% without POLST forms, indicating better matching of care preferences
Health systems and nursing homes must collaborate to provide better care for patients in crisis and during day-to-day operations, Dr. Unroe argues. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of integrating nursing home data sources with other healthcare data.
Researchers found a significant association between nursing home crowding and increased risk of COVID-19 infection and mortality in Ontario, Canada. The study examined data from the entire nursing home system during the pandemic and observed a strong correlation between crowding and adverse outcomes.
A study examines facility-reported test result turnaround time for residents and staff in US nursing homes, finding average turnaround times of 6.5 days. The research used the Medicare COVID-19 Nursing Home Database to analyze data from over 1,300 facilities.
A study from Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine found that nursing home residents with cognitive impairment are more likely to be admitted to the hospital after an emergency department visit. The factors most associated with discharge back to the facility were falls, trauma or fracture, bleeding, and pain.
Three Michigan nursing homes successfully limited COVID-19 spread through advance planning, universal testing, and connection with Michigan Medicine. Proactive testing of asymptomatic residents and timely test results played a crucial role in containing the outbreak.
A new study by Brown University researcher Dr. David Dosa found that the actual death toll among Florida nursing home residents after Hurricane Irma was more than double the CDC's reported number, with 262 additional deaths in 30 days and 433 more deaths at 90 days
Researchers found that tuned LED lighting reduced nighttime sleep disturbances by half in a California nursing home. The study suggests that this innovative lighting solution can improve the sleep of even a few residents, having a positive effect on roommates and those nearby.
A new study found Hurricane Irma resulted in 433 additional deaths among nursing home residents in Florida within 90 days, exceeding national averages by double
A recent study found that Medicaid expansion under the ACA significantly reduced long-term home health care and nursing home use among newly eligible low-income adults and older adults. The study suggests that increased access to healthcare led to better management of chronic conditions, resulting in lower rates of institutional care.
The researchers will investigate how long-term care residents transmit and cope with the disease, aiming to identify asymptomatic cases and develop new therapeutic strategies for vulnerable populations. They also seek to understand the epidemiology, transmission, and immunology of COVID-19 in nursing homes.
Researchers found that older racial and ethnic minority residents and their caregivers are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in nursing homes and assisted living communities. The studies also highlighted disparities in data reporting and the lack of federal assistance to assisted living communities compared to nursing homes.
Residents undergoing hemodialysis in nursing homes are more likely to contract and spread SARS-CoV-2, increasing their risk of severe COVID-19. The Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that dialysis patients accounted for nearly half of all positive cases among the facility's residents.
A new study reveals that over 20% of US nursing homes still report severe staff and PPE shortages six months into the COVID-19 pandemic. The nursing home database indicates that facilities with high Medicaid rates and lower quality ratings are more likely to experience shortages.
A new palliative care model will be implemented in eight Indiana and eight Maryland nursing homes to enhance quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's disease. The UPLIFT-AD trial aims to build capacity for palliative care within facilities and provide external support.
Researchers studied COVID-19 outcomes in French nursing homes that implemented voluntary staff confinement, finding improved mortality rates among residents. The study suggests that staff confinement can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care settings.
The study examined nursing homes with reported COVID-19 cases in the US, highlighting key characteristics and risk factors. The analysis provides insights into infection control measures and strategies to mitigate outbreaks.
The MU Sinclair School of Nursing is providing assistance to over 500 Missouri nursing homes, distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) and offering recommendations for infection control practices. This helps nursing home residents stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on isolating sick patients and supporting staff.
A Northwestern University study found that COVID-19 patients are 12 times more likely to die in a medical facility than patients who died from any cause in 2018. The high rate of deaths in hospitals and nursing homes highlights the need for improved end-of-life care, including access to virtual communication with families.