Nursing home residents who have had a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection have stronger responses to vaccination than those who have not been exposed to the virus, a real-life investigation finds.
Older women who habitually consume red meat are more likely to be diagnosed with frailty. But replacing one serving a day with another protein source substantially reduces risk, according to a new study.
Physical dysfunction problems often are overlooked in the care of older, frail patients with acute heart failure. But these patients find greater functional and quality of life benefits from early, transitional, and progressive rehab when compared with usual care, a new trial has found.
Frail and elderly adults were systematically excluded from COVID vaccine trials. But now there are enough original studies involving long-term care residents to begin understanding how COVID vaccination campaigns have affected this population, investigators say.
A “cautious approach” to COVID-19 vaccination may be best for the very frail with Parkinson’s who reside in long-term care settings, a panel of neurologists contend. But for most with Parkinson’s, the risks of COVID-19 outweigh any vaccination risks, they conclude.
Nursing home residents who had Physician’s Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment significantly increased the likelihood that their treatment preferences were documented in their medical record, a statewide facility study has shown.
Shingrix was “highly effective” in reducing the risk of herpes zoster (shingles) and associated illnesses for all frailty subgroups studied.
“This is the right therapy, but it needs more study … and it needs engaged medical director oversight and supervision,” says AMDA’s Executive Director Chris Laxton. Emergency approval of COVID antibody therapy is predicted in the coming weeks.
A direct poll of nursing home residents in 36 states reveals a “drastic” reduction in social activities and a steep increase in reported loneliness. “Innovative distance socializing” may help address the problem going forward, say the report’s authors.
Lack of social connections may lead to unfulfilled care needs and poor health outcomes in frail older adults. Investigators suggest targeted interventions.
