Death

Common antibiotic linked to risk of sudden death, study finds

McKnight's Staff May 21, 2012

An antibiotic frequently used to treat pneumonia and bronchitis is linked to a higher risk of sudden death in adults, particularly those with heart conditions, a new study reveals.

When bad policies get due notice

James M. Berklan February 22, 2012

You can thank some boneheaded long-term care executives from across the pond for the latest black eye to your profession.

You will not last long in this field unless you learn how to deal with dying and death. They are inescapable realities in a profession where most customers are old and sick. But there is no way to be completely prepared for a death in one's own family, as I was recently reminded. My younger sister Ellen died last week. She was 41.

Double grief

Teri Weiman, SSD-AD November 28, 2011

The general public could never understand the emotional bonding that we have with our residents. Granted, not every resident pulls at our heartstrings. I enjoy watching how one particular resident will connect with a specific employee. For example, I might find a resident "challenging" while my co-worker will find her endearing.

CDC devises new way to estimate flu-related deaths

August 30, 2010

Many healthcare workers may be familiar with this statistic: Each year, roughly 36,000 people die from influenza. Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is walking away from this decades-old figure, saying the actual death toll varies greatly year to year.

Mixed bag for heart failure patients: less time in hospital but bigger risks at home

June 03, 2010

First the good news: Medicare beneficiaries are experiencing shorter hospital stays and lower rates of in-hospital deaths after suffering heart failure. Now the not-so-good news: Out-of-hospital deaths and readmission rates are rising, according to a new study. Discharges to nursing homes also are increasing.