A new study found that staff assumptions about minoritized groups contribute to variability in nursing home care for residents with advanced dementia. Remedies include addressing staff biases, increasing funding, and standardizing advance-care planning.
SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 24, 2022
A Rutgers study reveals the professional and personal impact of COVID-19 on Black and Latinx healthcare workers in supportive roles. The findings highlight the critical need for health systems to improve work conditions, including wages, physical demands, and mental well-being, to retain this marginalized workforce.
SourceRutgers University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJan 18, 2022
A state-wide Massachusetts infection control program, implemented in 360 nursing homes, reduced COVID-19 infections among vulnerable residents, including those with dementia. Cohorting residents and proper adherence to infection control guidelines were key factors in this reduction.
SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
A unique Irish study found that previous COVID-19 infection and age are associated with lower antibody levels six months after vaccination. The research highlights the importance of boosting vaccinations for vulnerable populations like nursing home residents.
SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022
A study published in Age and Ageing found that annual rates of hospital transfers decrease with age, but younger residents are more likely to require dialysis or tube feeding. In contrast, older residents are more likely to have cognitive decline, dementia, and diabetes.
SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalAge and Ageing·DateJan 6, 2022
Austrian researchers developed a detailed epidemiological model to study the spread of coronavirus in nursing homes. The agent-based simulation tool helps balance safety and quality of life, considering vaccination rates and testing accuracy. With a high vaccination rate, major outbreaks are no longer expected.
SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 22, 2021
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.
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalAntipode·DateDec 16, 2021
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.
SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalmSphere·DateDec 13, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateNov 19, 2021
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.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateNov 19, 2021
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...
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 15, 2021
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.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 15, 2021
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.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2021
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
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...
SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateNov 4, 2021
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.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalApplied Clinical Informatics·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2021
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.
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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.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 13, 2021
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.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 9, 2021
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.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
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.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 2, 2021
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.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 2, 2021
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.
SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 15, 2021
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.
SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateJul 11, 2021
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.
SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateJun 22, 2021
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
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.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 14, 2021
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.
SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateMay 19, 2021
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.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 14, 2021
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.
SourceFlinders University·JournalBMC Geriatrics·DateApr 22, 2021
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.
SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 5, 2021
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
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.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateApr 5, 2021
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.
SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 31, 2021
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.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 31, 2021
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.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 22, 2021
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Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
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.
SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 22, 2021
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.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 16, 2021
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.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 8, 2021
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.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 4, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
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.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalClinical Nursing Research·DateFeb 15, 2021
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.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 10, 2021
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%.
SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateJan 28, 2021
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.
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
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
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 4, 2021
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.
SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateDec 9, 2020
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.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
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
SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 20, 2020
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.
SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 17, 2020
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.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 9, 2020
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.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 30, 2020
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.
SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 19, 2020
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Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
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.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 12, 2020
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
SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 6, 2020
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
SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 6, 2020
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.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 1, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
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.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 21, 2020
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.
SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateAug 25, 2020