Articles tagged with Nursing Homes
The growing demand for long-term care services is straining the workforce, with workers lacking support in pay and work relationships. The studies found that recruitment and retention are industry-wide problems, but also discovered that older people can play a role in addressing these issues.
A study found that less than a quarter of nursing homes have a specific pandemic plan, while over half do not. The researchers emphasize the need for communication with health departments and hospitals, as well as staff training and planning for staff shortages.
Researchers found that short-term use of antipsychotics in older adults with dementia increases the risk of hospitalization or death. Atypical and conventional antipsychotics both carry a significant risk of serious adverse events, with the former being three times more likely to cause harm than the latter.
The 2004 California Long-Term Care Reimbursement Act increased MediCal costs by nearly 9% but failed to improve quality or access to care. Nursing home staffing levels remained lower than recommended numbers, and staff turnover increased significantly.
A new Saint Louis University study suggests that nursing home residents can form strong connections with both real dogs and robotic companions like Aibo. The research found that these interactions alleviate loneliness and attachment issues in residents.
A comprehensive study published in Archives of Internal Medicine reveals that nearly 70% of Americans with dementia receive antibiotic medications, particularly in the final stages of their disease. The researchers warn that this practice poses a significant public health risk due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
A study of 214 residents found that nearly two-thirds received antibiotics during their stay, with most prescriptions given in the final weeks of life. The excessive use of antibiotics raises concerns about individual treatment burden and the development of antimicrobial resistance in nursing homes.
A study found that correcting refractive error in nursing home residents with eyeglasses improves their quality of life and reduces depressive symptoms. The study showed a significant improvement in visual acuity and quality-of-life scores after two months.
As China's population reaches 336 million over 60 by 2030, the country faces a growing burden of care for senior citizens. The one-child policy may leave some older Chinese without a family member to care for them, forcing them to rely on limited caregivers or facilities.
A randomized controlled trial involving 1,042 nursing home residents found that wearing an energy-absorbing hip protector did not significantly reduce the incidence of hip fractures. The study's results confirm the growing evidence that current hip protectors are not effective in preventing hip fractures among this population.
A study of Alabama nursing home residents found that over half were visually impaired but had no record of recent eye examinations. The high rates of visual impairment among nursing home residents may be attributed to various factors, including limited accessibility and a shortage of eye care professionals.
A new study finds that people with Alzheimer's disease experience accelerated cognitive decline after being placed in a nursing home. However, those with prior adult day care experience fare better during the transition. The research suggests that experience in day care programs may help prepare individuals for institutional living.
A new study by the University of Michigan School of Public Health suggests that chain-owned nursing homes face a dilemma between administrative and clinical standards. The research found that excessive emphasis on corporate standardization can hurt patient care, while a balance is needed to optimize resident outcomes. The study's autho...
Doubling state HCBS expenditures per person over age 65 reduces the risk of nursing home admission among childless seniors. States with lower HCBS funding, such as $35 per person annually, show no significant reduction in nursing home admissions.
Researchers found that doubling state spending on these services reduces the risk of nursing home admission among childless seniors by 35 percent. States' varying levels of commitment to providing these services have been linked to different outcomes for seniors with and without family support.
A new study from the University of Alberta reveals that community-dwelling spouses of elderly individuals in long-term care facilities are heavily involved in their partners' lives. Despite common assumptions, marriage-sustaining activities continue, such as shared hobbies and regular visits.
Researchers found that state Medicaid reimbursement rates and bed-hold policies significantly impact nursing home residents' likelihood of hospitalization. States with higher payment rates and more permissive bed-hold policies tend to have higher hospitalization rates, while those with lower rates and stricter policies have lower rates.
A recent study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers shows that providing extra support to caregivers can lead to less depression and increased use of adult day services. This approach also reduces the need for nursing home placements.
A RAND Corporation study found that nursing homes with high staff and resident vaccination rates are less likely to experience flu outbreaks. Vaccination rates of over 55% for staff and 89% for residents were associated with a 60% reduction in influenza-like illness cases.
A study found that enhanced caregiver support and counseling delayed nursing home placement by 1.5 years, improving caregivers' tolerance for patient behavior and increasing satisfaction with social support. This intervention could potentially save $90,000 per patient in nursing home care costs.
A psychosocial support program for Alzheimer's caregivers has been shown to delay nursing home placement by an average of 1.5 years, according to a long-term study published in Neurology. This delay can result in significant cost savings for families, estimated at over $100,000 annually.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that seniors who give up driving are less likely to enter nursing homes or assisted living centers than those who have never driven. The study included extensive interviews with 1,593 seniors between 65 and 84 years old.
A study of 103,344 nursing home residents found that symptoms of depression, delusions, and constipation are linked to physical aggression. The research also showed that verbal aggression is associated with these factors, highlighting the importance of addressing these conditions to reduce violence in care facilities.
A clinical pathway reduced hospitalizations by 12% and shortened hospital stays by 0.95 days per resident among nursing home patients with pneumonia. The program also resulted in a cost savings of $1,016 per resident treated.
A study by McMaster University researchers found that treating pneumonia in nursing homes can significantly reduce hospitalizations and quality of life issues. By following a defined clinical pathway, hospital admissions were reduced by over half and cost savings reached $1,200 per resident.
A study found that annual rates of hip fracture among Swiss female nursing home residents decreased by 1.3% per year during the 1990s. This decrease was linked to improved prescription of calcium and vitamin D, as well as enhanced preventative care regarding risk factors for falls.
A study found that less than half of residents with predictably recurrent pain were prescribed scheduled pain medication, highlighting the need for improved pain management practices. The use of evidence-based process measures is intended to address persistent problems in pain management and improve overall quality of life.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that nursing home residents with moderate to severe dementia who received acetaminophen were more socially active than those who received a placebo. The medication increased their engagement with their environment, including watching TV and talking to themselves.
A comprehensive vision restoration-rehabilitation program facilitated access to new eyeglasses, cataract surgery, or low-vision care for 31% of eligible nursing home residents. The study found that without such assistance, only 2% of identified patients received cataract surgery.
The study aims to assess the extent of use of the program in three states, compare it to traditional end-of-life care planning, and examine its impact on symptom management. Researchers will gather data through phone surveys and medical chart reviews to inform strategies for improving end-of-life programs nationwide.
A recent Columbia University study found that elderly nursing home residents with diabetes are four times more likely to fall than non-diabetics. The study suggests that controlling diabetes and addressing its complications may help reduce the risk of falls.
The capacity for assisted living and in-home care nearly doubled between 1990 and 2002, while nursing home beds declined by 7.4% during the same period. The growth of these alternative care options is attributed to shifting long-term care policies and increasing demand for community-based services.
One-third of nursing home patients with Alzheimer's disease lack correct glasses, causing disorientation and falls. Regular eye exams can prevent this visual impairment, improving overall quality of life.
A randomized trial found that promoting communication about hospice increased enrollment in 20-25% of patients within 30 days, while also providing more comprehensive end-of-life care. Intervention residents had higher rated family satisfaction and lower acute care admissions.
A recent survey found that 88% of nursing homes have a staff dentist, but most patients receive off-site dental care due to limited on-site equipment. Daily oral care is often assigned to nursing assistants, who are expected to prioritize other tasks.
The HealthGrades Patient Safety in American Hospitals Study found that top-performing hospitals had 267,151 fewer patient safety incidents and 48,417 fewer deaths compared to the bottom 10%. Hospital-acquired infections were a significant contributor to these differences.
A new study suggests that insomnia is more likely to lead to falls in older adults than previously believed. The research found that individuals with untreated insomnia were 90% more likely to fall, compared to those taking sleep medications. Effective treatment of insomnia can help reduce the risk of falls.
A survey of hospital executives found that most believed mandatory reporting systems would discourage internal reporting and lead to lawsuits, despite potential benefits for patient safety. Hospital leaders also expressed reluctance to report minor incidents, even when they would inform affected patients or families.
A new test for tinnitus evaluates loudness and pitch using an automated procedure. Veterans are found to be more independent in daily activities and less physically disabled than their peers residing in community nursing homes, suggesting the impact of extensive rehabilitation services available to veterans.
Experts recommend improving government reimbursement rates, increasing staffing levels, and providing better training for nursing home staff. Family members share stories of inadequate care, including unneeded tests and treatments, but also praise compassionate gestures from attentive aides.
Researchers at Brown Medical School and Quality Partners tested a rapid-cycle quality improvement model to address persistent pain in nursing home residents. The study showed a significant reduction in pain, with 44% of homes using appropriate pain assessments and 82% using non-drug pain treatments.
The POLST program has been widely adopted in Oregon nursing homes, with most residents receiving aggressive treatment despite 'do not resuscitate' orders. EMTs also report increased clarity on treatment options after using the form.
The study found that vitamin E had no significant effect on incidence or duration of respiratory tract infections, but significantly fewer participants acquired one or more respiratory tract infections. Vitamin E also showed a lower risk of common colds among those who completed the study.
A study examining racial variations in nursing home resident vision loss found cataract was the leading cause of low vision for both African American and white residents, with higher prevalence among African Americans. The study highlights the need for intervention programs aimed at providing surgical services to this population.
Researchers developed a practical risk score to predict survival in patients with advanced dementia, considering factors like Activities of Daily Living score, sex, cancer, and oxygen therapy need. The tool offers an improvement over existing guidelines, providing reasonable accuracy for estimating six-month prognosis.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill are working on a new program to improve employment in long-term care facilities, focusing on recruitment and retention strategies, including better pay, recognition, and training. The project aims to address staffing shortages and improve the quality of life for nursing home residents.
Most long-stay nursing home residents spend a significant amount of time in bed, even in facilities with low restraint levels. The study estimates that typical residents in high-restraint homes spend 19-20 hours in bed daily.
Researchers explore simple measures to improve the lives of nursing home residents with dementia. Simple pleasures like warm water bottles, fleece muffs, and creating memory boxes can reduce agitation and promote calmness.
A study found that nursing home residents who wander, exhibit verbally abusive behavior, or have cognitive impairment are more likely to provoke injuries in others. Male residents and those living in Alzheimer's units were also at higher risk. The authors suggest focusing on the behavior of injured persons to prevent incidents.
A large US multistate study found that end-of-life care is often woefully inadequate, with many patients receiving insufficient pain medication, emotional support, and respectful treatment. The study recommends expanding access to hospice care, growing palliative medicine training, and improving nursing home end-of-life care.
A study found that family members reported high rates of unmet needs for symptom management, emotional support, and physician communication. Patients receiving home hospice services had better quality care outcomes compared to those in institutional settings.
A study of 32 nursing homes in New York and Connecticut aims to determine the effectiveness of specially trained retention specialists in reducing CNA turnover rates. The researchers will assess the impact on job satisfaction, intention to quit, and commitment to the institution.
A new study by the University of Minnesota found that 8% of nursing home residents were already taking antiepileptic drugs on admission, while another 3% were prescribed them within three months. The study suggests that many primary care providers underestimate the use of these medications among elderly nursing home residents.
The quality of care in nursing homes remains a significant challenge, with many experts arguing that public reporting may hasten the demise of low-performing facilities and create a void without clear solutions. A balanced long-term care system is needed to address issues such as staffing, financing, and care delivery.
A new study suggests that living longer will not lead to significantly increased healthcare costs, especially after age 85. The research found that average monthly health-care expenditures decrease for those who survive into their mid-80s or beyond. In contrast, the last two years of life often see steeper rises in health-related costs...
Research reveals that foreign-born nursing home aides face on-the-job racism, while African-American aides are less likely to experience it. The study also highlights the prevalence of racist attitudes among nursing home residents, which can impact staff behavior.
Researchers found that incorporating standard appliances, real plants, and natural materials can create a comfortable environment for residents. The study recommends varying counter heights and using side-by-side refrigerators to accommodate different needs.
Researchers have developed several low-cost environmental interventions to reduce noise in nursing homes, resulting in a 16-fold reduction in noise levels. These interventions include sound-absorbing panels, reducing TV noise by moving speakers to bed headboards, and experimenting with tiny speakers embedded in bed pillows.
A recent study reveals that feeding tubes do not necessarily improve the quality of life for patients with severe dementia. The study analyzed data from over 385,000 nursing home residents and found that states with higher rates of
A study by Emory University researchers found that the atypical antipsychotics quetiapine and clozapine reduced hallucinations in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. The medication group also showed a lower risk of nursing home placement, suggesting long-term benefits.