POLST form triples odds that residents’ treatment wishes are known: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 23, 2020
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...
Shingles vaccine effective and safe in frail individuals, analysis shows
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 18, 2020
Shingrix was “highly effective” in reducing the risk of herpes zoster (shingles) and associated illnesses for all frailty subgroups studied.
AMDA to feds: Delay antibody treatment in nursing homes, engage LTC medical directors
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 09, 2020
“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...
Resident poll reveals pandemic’s emotional toll: Frail elders need ‘something to live for’
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 02, 2020
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...
Watch for social vulnerability when caring for frail seniors, say researchers
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 24, 2020
Lack of social connections may lead to unfulfilled care needs and poor health outcomes in frail older adults. Investigators suggest targeted interventions.
Regular exercise can counter aging-related frailty, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 14, 2020
Adults over age 70 who are moderately active more than once a week can improve or maintain their level of frailty — physically, psychologically and socially, say investigators.
Post-surgical delirium in frail, older adults may be caused by inflammation
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 19, 2020
Inflammation can contribute to rapid beta-amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, disrupting mental status, finds a new study.
Clinical Briefs for Wednesday, April 8
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 07, 2020
Sleep apnea linked to Alzheimer’s brain changes …. Adding patient frailty measures to Medicare payment model could lead to fairer clinician reimbursement … Flu cases down, while hospitalizations...
Clinical Briefs for Monday, January 6
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 03, 2020
Map of lethal C. difficile toxin could pave way for future treatments … Providers underreporting major injury falls on MDS, study suggests … Regular video game play on the rise among older adults …...
Frailty linked to higher readmission rates for Medicare beneficiaries
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 26, 2019
Frailty is a key factor in 30-day hospital readmissions for older Medicare recipients with heart problems and pneumonia.