Articles tagged with Nursing Homes
A study led by the NIH/NIAID identified Norwalk-like viruses as the primary cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks in Maryland nursing homes. The research revealed six distinct genetic clusters among these viruses, with a predominant GII 'Bristol-like' virus strain detected in 14 of the 20 outbreaks.
A recent study by the San Francisco VA Medical Center found that two-thirds of elderly people who are eligible for nursing home care receive it at home, often from family members. This type of in-home care is estimated to save the government billions of dollars annually.
A UCSF/Harvard study analyzed 13,693 government inspections of nursing homes and found that for-profit facilities were cited for deficient care 46.5% more frequently than non-profits. For-profit homes had significantly lower staff-to-patient ratios, leading to concerns about the impact on patient care.
Patients with dementia in the middle stages are five times more likely to experience intense emotional distress than those in early or late stages. The study found that caring for personal hygiene, particularly invasive care, triggers acute distress. Strategies like supervision and environmental changes can help mitigate reactions.
UCSF researchers identified eight essential dimensions for evaluating nursing home quality. These categories include care, safety, and resident rights. The streamlined system aims to simplify inspections and provide more accurate information for consumers.
A study found that elderly nursing home residents receiving hospice care through Medicare are less likely to be hospitalized in their last days of life compared to those without such care. Hospice care improves the quality of life and reduces costs for the federal government.
The long-term care staff crisis is caused by low pay, restricted immigration policies, and a shrinking labor pool, resulting in patient deaths and injuries. Upgrading the training and professional development of nursing assistants and offering higher pay could solve the crisis.
The article highlights the need to shift from aggressive treatment to palliative care in hospitals and healthcare facilities, improving quality of life for dying patients. Strategies can be implemented to reduce suffering by involving a multidimensional approach to care.
At least a third of the 1.6 million US nursing home residents may suffer from malnutrition or dehydration, according to UCSF researcher Kayser-Jones. Inadequate staffing and lack of individualized care contribute to this issue, with chronic conditions like depression exacerbating it.
A new study from Brown University suggests that Rhode Island is a microcosm of the nation's future for end-of-life care. The state ranks sixth in nursing home deaths, adjusted for age and gender, with 20% of Americans expected to die in a nursing home by 2020.
A new study has found that osteoporosis doubles the risk of fractures in nursing home residents, particularly those with better mobility. Researchers discovered that 80% of women in the study had osteoporosis and that low bone mineral density increased fracture rates.
A study found that over half of medication-related injuries in US nursing homes are preventable, with psychoactive drugs and anticoagulants being the most common culprits. The study recommends enhanced surveillance, educational efforts, and systems-based prevention strategies to improve medication safety.
A systematic program implementing advance directives in six Ontario, Canada nursing homes reduced hospitalizations by an average of $1,200 per patient. Satisfaction levels with care were unchanged, while mortality rates remained similar between the treatment and control groups.
Current data shows that nursing homes with low nurse staff levels have a greater incidence of health problems among older adults. The authors recommend minimum staffing standards to improve care, including higher registered nurse-to-resident ratios and additional education and training.
Nursing home residents with low nurse staffing have higher incidence of health problems, including urinary catheter use, skin care, and malnutrition. Experts recommend increased staffing, education, and training to improve quality care.
The percentage of Americans aged 65 and older in nursing homes has declined since the mid-1980s, with increasing numbers opting for assisted living and care within their own homes. This shift is attributed to declining disability rates among the elderly and the growing availability of alternative long-term care options.
A study by OHSU found that patients who completed the bright pink POLST form had high levels of comfort care and low rates of aggressive life-extending treatment. The form, which enables patients to state wishes on specific treatments, was designed to record patients' wishes in the present, not just future healthcare.
A federally mandated regulation led to a significant reduction in hospitalization rates among nursing home residents, with no increase in death rate. The study found that targeted hospital use resulted in better care and cost savings.