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.
SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 27, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 9, 2017
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.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2017
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.
SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·DateAug 31, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A new study by the RAND Corporation found that 56% of people aged 57-61 will stay in a nursing home at least one night during their lifetime, contradicting previous estimates of 35%. The study analyzed 18 years of data and found that most people can afford nursing home care, with costs averaging $7,300 over a lifetime.
SourceRAND Corporation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2017
According to an 18-year analysis, 56% of individuals aged 57-61 are likely to spend time in a nursing home, with high out-of-pocket costs for some. Lifetime spending averages $7,300, but some face expenses over $47,000.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2017
Advanced practice nurses (APRNs) play a key role in improving nursing home care by reducing hospitalizations related to falls, dehydration, and other health issues. Leadership support is essential for APRNs to be successful in this role.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Nursing Care Quality·DateAug 23, 2017
A study found that apathy is present in half of nursing home patients and linked with an increased risk of dying over a 4-month period. Screening and treatment strategies for apathy are necessary to improve quality of life and advanced care planning.
SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 9, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A recent study found that 44% of nursing home residents with dementia were taking PIMs at admission, and many stopped or started these medications during their stay. The researchers suggest a person-centered approach to discontinuing PIMs, especially for frail older adults.
SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 9, 2017
A study by RTI International found that low Medicaid payment rates discourage residential care providers from serving Medicaid beneficiaries, limiting access to community-based care. This results in a reliance on nursing homes, which can be more expensive for taxpayers.
SourceRTI International·JournalJournal of Housing for the Elderly·DateAug 7, 2017
A large clinical trial found that the high-dose flu vaccine significantly reduced hospitalization rates among nursing home residents, with a relative risk of hospitalization being 12.7 percent lower for the high-dose group. The vaccine also appeared to help prevent hospitalization for other problems, including cardiovascular symptoms.
SourceBrown University·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateJul 20, 2017
A high-dose influenza vaccine significantly reduced the risk of respiratory and all-cause hospitalization among Medicare residents at nursing homes, with a 12.7% relative reduction in respiratory illness hospitalizations and an 8.5% reduction in all-cause hospitalizations.
SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateJul 20, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
A new study found that offering the New York University Caregiver Intervention (NYUCI) program to eligible Minnesota Medicaid enrollees could save $40.4 million over 15 years, with increased net savings of $52.2 million via video teleconferencing.
SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateJul 5, 2017
A significant proportion of nursing home residents suffer from chronic pain during their final six months, according to a recent study. Researchers analyzed data from over 960 seniors and found that 60% reported consistent low or mild pain, while around 34% experienced moderate or severe pain, with little improvement as death approached.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateJun 29, 2017
A recent study reveals a 400% surge in premature and potentially preventable deaths of Australian nursing home residents over the past decade. Falls and choking were responsible for most unintentional deaths, with a smaller number attributed to clinical care complications or intentional acts such as suicide and assault.
SourceMonash University·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateMay 28, 2017
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
A national patient safety effort led to a significant reduction in urinary tract infections related to catheters in nursing homes. The study shows that implementing a toolkit of training materials and coaching support can lead to improved catheter care and infection prevention.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 19, 2017
The study found that personalized music playlists reduced the use of antipsychotic medications by 20.1% and antianxiety medications by 24.4%, while also reducing behavioral problems by 56.5%. These improvements were seen in nursing homes that implemented the MUSIC & MEMORY program, but not in similar homes that did not adopt the program.
SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateMay 10, 2017
The study found that advanced age, comorbid chronic diseases, and history of recurrent hospitalization are associated with increased risk of MDR-GNB colonization. The prevalence of MDR-GNB colonization among nursing home residents ranged from 11.2% to 59.1%
SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateApr 27, 2017
A new study led by Jennifer Tjia found that training nursing home staff to recognize unmet needs of cognitively impaired residents significantly reduced antipsychotic medication use. The OASIS program shifted care planning from focusing on limitations to meeting resident needs, resulting in a 7% drop in antipsychotic prescriptions.
SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 17, 2017
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 systematic review of 15 studies found that most vulnerable nursing home residents are at risk of becoming victims, while legal examinations are often infrequent due to administration complexities. The report also highlights the underreporting of sexual assaults in nursing homes, with only 1% of staff-to-resident incidents reported.
SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateApr 12, 2017
Most nursing home residents are inactive, with only one-fifth engaging in outings or excursions. Increasing resident engagement through daily activities is crucial for their thriving in care, according to a Swedish study.
SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateFeb 23, 2017
A study found that patients with kidney failure were less likely to have advance directives than those with other serious illnesses, but those who did had better end-of-life care. The presence of treatment-limiting directives and surrogate decision makers reduced hospitalizations, intensive procedures, and inpatient deaths.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 5, 2017
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
A national assessment by MU researchers found significant gaps in IT sophistication between rural and urban nursing homes. Urban facilities excel in laboratory capabilities for resident registration and medical tests, while rural ones struggle to compete for IT talent.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateDec 13, 2016
A systematic review of medication errors found that serious impacts were rare, occurring in only zero to one percent of medication errors. Good practice requires a team-based approach to prevent medication errors in nursing homes.
SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 21, 2016
Researchers assess documentation of advance care planning preferences in Indiana nursing homes, finding that a majority of residents have orders for CPR. The study aims to identify ways to improve practice and ensure time is taken to discuss and record preferences, increasing the likelihood that treatment wishes will be honored.
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.
Researchers found that post-acute care, specifically nursing home factors, had a significant impact on long-term recovery for hip fracture patients. Higher-level physician staffing and lower occupancy rates were associated with better outcomes.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMedical Care·DateNov 4, 2016
A new study highlights the importance of advance care planning in nursing homes, where most residents prefer less aggressive treatment and comfort care over life-extending measures. The study found that formal conversations facilitated by specially trained nurses resulted in changes to care plans about two-thirds of the time.
SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 1, 2016
A study found that cranberry capsules did not significantly reduce the presence of bacteriuria and pyuria, or the number of urinary tract infections, among older women living in nursing homes. The results contradict previous studies suggesting cranberry products may be effective in preventing UTIs.
A study by the Indiana University Center for Aging Research and Regenstrief Institute found that employing nurse practitioners significantly improves transfer process resulting in fewer errors and safer care. The OPTIMISTIC program led to a 21% decrease in hospitalizations.
SourceIndiana University·JournalAnnals of Long-Term Care Clinical Care and Aging·DateOct 24, 2016
The OPTIMISTIC study aims to improve care and communication within nursing facilities and between them and acute-care institutions. The program focuses on early detection and prevention of problems such as medication errors and delayed recognition of changes in medical status, resulting in reduced health decline and hospitalization.
SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 8, 2016
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A University of Missouri study finds that increased IT sophistication in nursing homes leads to improved health care quality measures. The research assessed national trends in IT adoption every year over a three-year period and found a positive impact on quality measures as technology improves resident care.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Nursing Care Quality·DateSep 1, 2016
Castle is a professor at University of Pittsburgh, recognized for his work on nursing home staff turnover and long-term care staffing issues. He has received the prestigious award in acknowledgement of his outstanding career contributions to social research, policy, and practice.
SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 23, 2016
A recent study published in JAMA found that the proportion of advanced dementia patients receiving feeding tubes decreased from 11.7% to 5.7% between 2000 and 2014. The decline was observed across both white and black patient groups, with significant racial disparities initially present.
SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJAMA·DateAug 16, 2016
A study published in JAMA found that the proportion of US nursing home residents with advanced dementia receiving feeding tubes decreased by approximately 50% between 2000 and 2014. Feeding tube use declined across racial groups, but remained higher among black residents.
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.
Researchers at Binghamton University are developing a smartwatch application to enhance communication systems in nursing homes. The proposed design integrates existing safety systems, providing alerts to users. Studies show that using this system can reduce staff response time to alarms and improve patient safety.
Vincent Mor, PhD, of Brown University, received the 2016 Robert W. Kleemeier Award for his outstanding research on aging and care quality. He has conducted extensive work on hospice and palliative care, including a study on National Hospice Study's effect on patients' quality of life.
SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJul 26, 2016
A UCLA-led study found that nearly half of California nursing home residents completed Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment forms in 2011. The study also identified areas where the use of these forms could be improved, including facilities with low completion rates and a lack of signatures on some forms.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 12, 2016
A study found that caregiver assistance increased among home-dwelling older adults with functional disabilities, from 42% in 1998 to 50% in 2012. The greatest increase was among those with fewer impairments, suggesting a shift towards community-based care.
Researchers found that at least one in five elderly nursing home residents experienced resident-to-resident mistreatment, with verbal aggression being the most common form. The study's findings highlight a need for better understanding and prevention strategies for this type of abuse.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
A survey of nearly 1,000 US nursing homes found little consistency in UTI prevention policies, with only a few effective strategies identified. Nursing homes with portable bladder ultrasound scanners and infection preventionists on staff had lower UTI rates, but many facilities lacked these policies.
SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 10, 2016
A new study found that video consultation technology brings together nursing home staff and hospital-based clinical experts to manage behavioral challenges associated with dementia. The program, Project ECHO-AGE, resulted in significant reductions in the use of physical restraints and antipsychotic medication among patients.
SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateJun 6, 2016
A study examining obese older adults in nursing homes found that those with higher body mass indexes were more likely to be admitted to facilities with deficiencies in care. Nearly 22% of admitted residents were obese, with morbidly obese individuals facing even greater challenges.
SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 31, 2016
Researchers found that hospice services don't lead to higher care costs for long-stay nursing home residents, despite concerns about cost shifting. Instead, avoidance of costly hospitalization and post-acute care offsets hospice costs.
SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 5, 2016
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A new study from Harvard Medical School found that corporate churning in nursing homes is linked to lower quality of care. The research, led by David Grabowski, measured the impact of ownership changes on nursing home quality and found that transactions were often associated with existing quality problems.
SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 2, 2016
A mobility assessment tool may help predict early postoperative outcomes for older adults by identifying those at risk of complications. The study found that preoperative scores on the Mobility Assessment Tool: Short Form (MAT-sf) were predictive of early postoperative complications, longer hospital stays and discharges to nursing homes.
SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAnesthesiology·DateApr 22, 2016
The article examines the association between for-profit nursing home ownership and care quality, concluding that the precautionary principle should be applied. Observational studies show that publicly funded care in for-profit facilities is inferior to public or non-profit facilities.
A new study from Indiana University reveals that nearly half of all long-stay nursing home residents are sent to the Emergency Department over a year, despite their cognitive status. The study's findings highlight the need for strategies to avoid unnecessary transfers and deliver patient-centered care in long-term care facilities.
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.
The University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing is expanding its Missouri Quality Initiative for Nursing Homes, a program that reduces avoidable hospitalizations by 34.5% through increased payments to participating nursing homes. The expanded program aims to create a national model for senior care and improve patient outcomes.
A study found that few people are aware of the Nursing Home Compare website, which aims to help families find high-quality care facilities. The site's accuracy is also compromised by trust issues and limited information on costs and activities.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 4, 2016
A new app developed by UCI researchers enables patients to create personalized scores for nursing homes, leading to differences in choice and ranking compared to the government's five-star system. The study suggests that patients may benefit from a more tailored approach to choosing a nursing home.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 4, 2016
OPTIMISTIC, a four-year project, aims to improve the health and healthcare of long-term nursing home residents by enhancing clinical care and introducing new Medicare payments. The program has shown promising results in reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and improving symptoms in patients with chronic illnesses.
Hospice programs vary significantly in their visitation rates for Medicare patients nearing death, with black patients and those in nursing homes receiving fewer visits. Analysis of Medicare claims data reveals that hospices with smaller patient volumes and those based in nursing homes were less likely to provide visits.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
The Missouri Quality Initiative for Nursing Homes aims to create a national model for senior care by having APRNs work full-time in each facility, reducing hospitalizations and expenditures. The program has achieved leading results, with strong patterns indicating intervention effects in reducing utilization and spending.
A Mayo Clinic study of 102 lung transplant patients found that those who were frail before surgery had lower survival rates at one and three years post-transplant. Frailty was associated with decreased survival and poorer outcomes.
SourceMayo Clinic·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·DateDec 17, 2015
Researchers found that RNs are more likely than LPNs to detect medication order discrepancies involving high-risk medications, suggesting RNs are better equipped for comprehensive assessment and resident safety. This finding highlights the need to distinguish differences in responsibilities between RNs and LPNs in nursing homes.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Nursing Regulation·DateDec 14, 2015
Researchers identified highly resistant bacteria in 23 of 500 acute care hospital admissions from nursing homes, with a feeding tube associated with gastrointestinal carriage. This study emphasizes the importance of hospital and nursing home infection control measures to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateNov 30, 2015
Amy Vogelsmeier, a University of Missouri nursing professor, has been inducted into the American Academy of Nursing for her work on patient safety and her role in advancing registered nurse expertise. Her research focuses on medication reconciliation and exploring nurses' contributions to patient care in nursing homes.
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
A new advance-care planning tool will be evaluated in Indiana nursing homes to ensure patients' end-of-life treatment preferences are honored. The research aims to improve care consistency with patients' decisions.