Articles tagged with Nursing Homes
Nursing homes face extreme challenges in the COVID-19 pandemic, but partnerships with health systems can support better staffing, virus testing, and data sharing. This collaboration can facilitate reduced hospital readmissions, improved safety of transitions of care, and ultimately improve care for vulnerable populations.
A new framework aims to improve care quality in nursing homes during the pandemic and beyond. The framework provides a path for leaders to guide quality assurance and informed decision-making in response to COVID-19.
A recent study found that nearly all nursing home residents with life-limiting conditions were taking statins, despite unclear guidelines for this age group. The researchers concluded that continuing statin therapy in these patients may be unnecessary due to potential side effects and a lack of proven benefits.
A recent study found that nearly half of veteran nursing home residents with limited life expectancy or dementia were overtreated for diabetes, suggesting that deintensification may be beneficial. Lowering diabetes treatment could prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and increase patient comfort without compromising health outcomes.
Residents of long-term care facilities with lower nurse staffing levels and poorer quality scores suffer from higher rates of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths. Higher nurse staffing ratios are strongly associated with fewer cases and deaths, according to a new study.
The American Medical Directors Association published recommendations to reduce COVID-19 spread in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The guidelines include COVID-specific units, daily screenings, and staff testing to prevent outbreaks.
The study found that LTCFs account for a significant proportion of COVID-19 deaths, with some states reporting over 70% of deaths occurring in these facilities. The authors attribute this to the asymptomatic spread of the virus and inadequate measures to prevent its entry into facilities.
A recent study reports a slight rise in hip fracture rates among long-stay residents in US nursing homes, with 36% of those who experience fractures dying within six months. The study suggests that underutilization of osteoporosis medications may be a contributing factor to the high rates.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that social isolation is a risk factor for increased COVID-19 cases among older adults in Italy. Regions with larger households and high numbers of residential nursing homes experienced the highest rates of infection.
Researchers found that providing advanced practice registered nurses with multidisciplinary support teams can drastically reduce avoidable hospitalizations. The teams, consisting of clinical experts, mentored the advanced practice registered nurses in their role and supported nursing home leaders.
A survey of Michigan nursing homes reveals significant improvements in pandemic preparedness since the last study in 2007. Nearly all nursing homes now have a plan in place, staff trained on response protocols and communication lines established with hospitals and public health departments.
A new online calculator predicts the risk of death and long-term care admission for patients with dementia based on simple questions at diagnosis. The study found that older age, male sex, and organ failure are key predictors of mortality and institutionalization.
A geriatrician recommends developing an emergency plan, employing intensive infection control practices, and providing therapy in patient/resident rooms. LTCF patients/residents face mental health risks due to isolation, prompting the need for psychosocial care and support.
The American Geriatrics Society has outlined recommendations to address COVID-19 concerns for older adults in nursing homes. The policy brief highlights the need for increased production and distribution of personal protective equipment, symptom management supplies, and end-of-life care resources.
A Canadian observational study found strong associations between a poor work environment and care aides' self-reported rushed or missed tasks. The study highlights the need for better staffing, culture, and leadership to improve care quality in nursing homes.
Researchers found that only 57.5% of falls were accounted for in Nursing Home Compare's ratings, with racial disparities and higher rates for long-term stays. The study suggests that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should change their evaluation criteria to use objective sources like claims data.
A team of Brown University researchers will compare two licensed flu vaccines in up to 1,000 nursing homes to identify the most effective one for elderly residents. The study aims to inform public health decision-making and improve healthcare outcomes for this vulnerable population.
A training program to support advance care planning in nursing homes is expanding to over 170 facilities across the US. The program aims to provide patients with consistent and high-quality care that aligns with their treatment preferences.
A nationally representative survey found that nursing homes with certified infection preventionists were nearly five times more likely to have comprehensive antibiotic stewardship programs. The study highlights the importance of well-trained IPs in reducing the risk of infections and improving patient safety.
Researchers found that older adults with moderately severe dementia living at home have more chronic conditions, pain, and anxiety than those in nursing homes. However, they also reported higher rates of falls, depression, and poor health. The study emphasizes the importance of improving home-based medical care for these patients.
Research suggests that intensive high blood pressure treatment in nursing home residents with dementia does not provide significant benefits, and may even lead to increased hospitalization rates. The study's findings recommend reducing medication doses or discontinuing use in residents with dementia, aligning with their goals of care.
Researchers analyzed payroll-based staffing data for over 15,000 US nursing homes, finding that 54% of facilities met expected staffing levels less than 20% of the time. Weekend staffing was particularly low, with an average of just 17 minutes per resident day for RNs.
About 30% of nursing home residents are obese, requiring special care and accommodations such as wheelchairs and lifts. A five-year study will identify best practices in caring for obese residents and develop a toolkit to help nursing homes meet their needs.
A recent study found that nursing home care costs are high and rising faster than other medical care and consumer prices. The study revealed significant price variation across states, with Texas having the least expensive out-of-pocket cost ($131 daily) and New York State having the most expensive ($334 daily).
Research suggests that optimized work schedules can lead to less stress, better patient care, and reduced turnover in nursing homes. The study found that facilities using the 'Work-Life Needs' method showed a link between improved scheduling and fewer pressure ulcers in patients.
A study by Clara Berridge found that surveillance cameras in nursing homes can record personal moments, compromising resident privacy and dignity. The survey also highlighted issues with consent and the security of camera feeds, highlighting the need for reform and increased funding for long-term care systems.
Regenstrief researchers present findings on deprescribing medications in older adults, preventing hospitalizations through OPTIMISTIC project lessons learned. Advance care planning initiatives aim to improve nursing home care for dementia patients.
A study of 5,540 adults found that difficulty with everyday tasks in midlife is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization, nursing home admission, and death. Middle-age individuals struggling with instrumental activities like managing finances and medication have increased mortality rates.
A six-month exercise program improved balance and strength in nursing home residents, resulting in fewer falls and deaths compared to a control group. The intervention also showed a lower prevalence of frailty, suggesting potential long-term benefits for those who engage in individualized physical activity.
A Georgetown University Medical Center study found that nursing homes experience improved quality of care during periods of recession and worsened care when the economy is good. Higher unemployment rates are linked to higher nursing staff levels, leading to better retention and reduced turnover.
Residents in for-profit nursing homes are more likely to experience health problems due to substandard care compared to those in not-for-profit facilities or community-dwelling adults. A new study found that for-profit residents face a higher risk of severe dehydration, bed sores, and medication mismanagement.
A new study found that providing nursing homes with increased Medicare payments can reduce avoidable hospitalizations by up to 33%. The OPTIMISTIC program aims to keep frail older adults in their familiar surroundings, staffed by providers who know them, and provide comprehensive care on-site.
A new study reveals that nursing homes are increasingly providing high-intensity rehabilitation services to residents in the last days of life, which may be driven by a desire to maximize reimbursement rates. This trend has been linked to unnecessary and harmful interventions, potentially interfering with appropriate end-of-life care.
For frail nursing home residents with breast cancer, surgery often cures the cancer but worsens quality of life and daily activities. Researchers recommend individualized care with hormonal therapy or symptom management instead.
A recent study from Regenstrief Institute found that a patient's diagnosis is not the primary factor in determining whether a nursing home resident needs to be hospitalized. Instead, coordinated care systems and quality improvement opportunities are crucial in preventing unnecessary hospitalizations. The study highlighted gaps in commu...
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that patients covered under Medicare's fee-for-service plan spent more time in nursing homes after hip fracture hospitalization, yet saw slightly worse health outcomes. In contrast, those covered under Medicare Advantage had shorter stays and similar or better health outcomes.
A pioneering exercise program adapted to individual capabilities improved physical and cognitive state among elderly care home residents. After three months, those doing physical exercise showed significant improvements in strength, walking speed, and balance.
Researchers found that proxies who viewed a 12-minute advanced care planning video were more likely to have residents with advance directives indicating tube-feeding should be withheld. When proxies preferred comfort care, advance directives aligned with that preference.
Researchers found that nursing home residents with advanced dementia who undergo surgical repair for hip fractures have a lower mortality rate compared to those managed with palliative care. These patients also experience less pain and fewer pressure ulcers.
A new USC study reveals that Yelp reviews of nursing homes tend to focus more on staff attitudes and responsiveness than government reviews. The study evaluated 264 Yelp reviews and grouped them into five categories, finding that nearly 53% of reviewers posted comments about staff attitude and caring.
A new study found that predicting avoidable transfers from nursing homes is challenging due to the limited predictive value of symptoms and patient risk conditions. The study suggests that a multi-component approach like OPTIMISTIC has been successful in reducing these transfers, but further work is needed.
A study found subtle but significant differences in perceived hospice quality among patients in different settings. Family members of patients at home rated hospice quality as excellent, while those in nursing homes reported the least. The findings suggest that tailoring communication to patient setting is crucial.
A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that implementing consistent hand hygiene measures in nursing homes can lead to lower mortality rates and reduced antibiotic prescriptions. The study assessed 26 French nursing homes and found a 30% lower mortality rate in the intervention group compared to the co...
A study by University of Colorado researchers found that changes to the nursing home quality ratings system led consumers to choose better providers. The simplified five-star system used on Nursing Home Compare motivated consumers to select higher-rated nursing homes, while low-rated facilities with limited options struggled.
A nationally representative study found considerable variation in US nursing home hip fracture rates among facilities. The majority of the variation remained unexplained by measured characteristics, but psychotropic medication prescribing and staffing requirements emerged as plausible targets for initiatives to reduce hip fractures.
A new study by Florida Atlantic University found that some nursing homes in California inflate their self-assessment reporting to improve their Medicare star ratings. The researchers identified key predictors of inflating ratings, including financial gain and lack of direct correlation with on-site inspection results.
A recent study found that one in five nursing home residents received antibiotics within the last 30 days, with urinary tract infections accounting for 40% of all infections treated. New or worsening confusion was a strong factor associated with antibiotic treatment for suspected UTI.
A new poll suggests that nursing homes should require flu shots for all staff and patients to protect vulnerable patients from serious complications. The majority of respondents (73%) also believe that non-medical staff should be vaccinated, while 71% think visitors should be required to get vaccinated before visiting loved ones.
A national collaborative program helped nursing homes improve infection prevention practices, leading to a 54% reduction in catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The AHRQ Safety Program empowered IPs to support practice changes and instilled a robust resident-safety culture.
Researchers from University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing launched a federal initiative to improve quality of care in 40 nursing facilities. The Missouri Quality Initiative for Nursing Homes (MOQI) program has reduced potentially avoidable hospitalizations by 48 percent and improved resident care, saving Medicare costs.
A study by USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology found significant disparities between Yelp and Nursing Home Compare ratings for nursing homes in California. The research highlights the need for improved ratings systems to help consumers make informed decisions about nursing home care.
The OPTIMISTIC program reduced avoidable hospitalizations among long-stay nursing facility residents by 33%, eliminating nearly one in five hospitalizations. The initiative lowered Medicare expenditures by $1589 per resident, resulting in a total savings of over $13.5 million from 2014 to 2016.
The number of doctors specializing in nursing home care has risen by over a third between 2012 and 2015, according to a new study. This trend suggests the emergence of a significant new specialty in medical practice, but its impact on patient outcomes and continuity of care remains uncertain.
Researchers found RNs better equipped to identify medication discrepancies, prioritizing accuracy and safety over time constraints. LPNs often rely on rules, assuming knowledge of residents' complex conditions.
Researchers aim to integrate advance care planning into nursing home workflow to support decision-making for dementia patients and their families. The multistate project will evaluate the effectiveness of a pragmatic program that helps staff identify patient goals and values.
A study found that men aged 65+ who survived an ischemic stroke are 3x more likely to be placed in a nursing home within 5 years if they lack a caregiver. The lack of caregivers puts older adults at risk of losing independent living.
Many opioid dosage combinations have no prescribing restrictions under Medicare formulary, suggesting an opportunity to limit opioid prescribing. Restricting coverage for prescription drugs is one strategy to decrease opioid prescribing.
Researchers at Brown University plan to conduct a randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized music program in improving care and outcomes for nursing home residents with dementia. The new study aims to provide clearer evidence on the impact of MUSIC & MEMORY, which has shown promising results in previous studies.
Researchers found that 40% of nursing home patients had multiple multidrug-resistant organisms living on their bodies, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections. The study suggests a complex network of interactions among bacteria and antibiotics, highlighting the need for more targeted treatment approaches.
A new assessment predicts fracture risk for patients in long-term care, identifying key factors such as age, mobility, and cognitive impairment. The tool has the potential to standardize fracture prevention efforts and save lives among nursing home residents.