A new study, scheduled to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting in April, found that Alzheimer's disease might not be as prevalent as currently believed.
Researchers reviewed the post-mortem brains of 211 study subjects who were diagnosed with Alzheimer's while alive. Only roughly half of the subjects had brain conditions that are commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease, such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Instead, they often had other brain abnormalities, including hippocampal sclerosis and generalized brain atrophy.
The study results have not yet undergone peer review. To learn more, click here.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Hollywood Nursing Home - and its Star Residents - to Stay Put
On the eve of the Oscars, a Hollywood nursing home and hospital is celebrating a win of its own.
The Motion Picture & Television Fund's hospital and skilled nursing home, which serves Hollywood film industry veterans, was scheduled to close in 2009 because of a $10 million budget shortfall. However, the facility has reached a tentative agreement with Providence Health & Services that would allow the facility to stay open.
Under the terms of the agreement, Providence would operate the facility and take on its financial responsibilities. They would also add services that would be open to the more of the general public.
The center also features a dementia unit, Harry's Haven, that was named after Kirk Douglas's father.
To learn more, click here.
The Motion Picture & Television Fund's hospital and skilled nursing home, which serves Hollywood film industry veterans, was scheduled to close in 2009 because of a $10 million budget shortfall. However, the facility has reached a tentative agreement with Providence Health & Services that would allow the facility to stay open.
Under the terms of the agreement, Providence would operate the facility and take on its financial responsibilities. They would also add services that would be open to the more of the general public.
The center also features a dementia unit, Harry's Haven, that was named after Kirk Douglas's father.
To learn more, click here.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Study: Almost 60 Percent of Paid Home Caregivers Make Medication Errors
A new study - the first of its kind - out of Northwestern University found that nearly 60 percent of paid home caregivers make medication errors involving their clients.
The study, which will be published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, evaluated caregivers' literacy with health-related tasks and knowledge. In addition to the medication error concern, the researchers found that one-third of the caregivers had trouble reading and understanding health-related information and instructions.
To learn more, click here.
The study, which will be published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, evaluated caregivers' literacy with health-related tasks and knowledge. In addition to the medication error concern, the researchers found that one-third of the caregivers had trouble reading and understanding health-related information and instructions.
To learn more, click here.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Kentucky Providers Use Wristbands to Avoid DNR Confusion
Following a string of deaths related to confusion over DNR orders, the Kentucky Office of the Inspector General and the Kentucky Hospital Association are suggesting that facilities use purple wristbands to indicate residents with DNRs and reduce mistakes.
The use of the purple bands, which are clearly labeled "DNR," is not required, but encouraged.
To learn more, click here.
The use of the purple bands, which are clearly labeled "DNR," is not required, but encouraged.
To learn more, click here.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
CMS Revises Rule on LTC Facility Closures
A new interim CMS rule will require LTC facility administrators to provide residents to receive written notification of a facility closure 60 days in advance. Currently, administrators are only required to notify residents 30 days in advance.
If they don't comply, administrators could face a fine of up to $100,000. They could also be subject to further penalties and be denied participation in federal healthcare programs.
The rule is slated to go into effect on March 23.
To learn more, click here.
If they don't comply, administrators could face a fine of up to $100,000. They could also be subject to further penalties and be denied participation in federal healthcare programs.
The rule is slated to go into effect on March 23.
To learn more, click here.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Need an AD/Alzheimer's Unit Director Certification?
One of Embrace authors, Lee Moriarty, will be presenting a 36-hour certification course for Activity Directors and Alzheimer's Unit Directors. The course will be offered on Thursdays on March 31, April 7 and April 14 or Tuesdays on April 5, April 12 and April 19. The Thursday courses will be held in Oak Brook, Illinois, and the Tuesday courses will be held in New Lenox, Illinois.
To learn more and register, click here.
To learn more and register, click here.
Friday, February 18, 2011
A New Reason to Stay Socially and Physically Active
Looking for something to motivate you to get out and spend time with others this weekend? Here's one - a new study from Rush University in Chicago found that older adults who stay as physically and socially active as possible are less likely to become disabled in their elderly years.
The study's researchers found that seniors with a high level of activity were twice as likely to stay independent and disability-free for longer periods of time.
To learn more, click here.
The study's researchers found that seniors with a high level of activity were twice as likely to stay independent and disability-free for longer periods of time.
To learn more, click here.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Barb Walters Celebrates 35 Years with ProMed
Today marks Barb Walters’s thirty-fifth anniversary as a member of Team ProMed! Barb joined us in 1976 and quickly became an invaluable asset to the company. Officially, she is ProMed’s Director of Human Resources. Unofficially, she is our go-to person on all things ProMed. Congratulations, Barb – we’re grateful every day to have you as a member of our team!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Aviston Countryside Manor's Unique Approach to Resident Empathy
Aviston Countryside Manor, a ProMed customer, recently challenged five of their employees to gain a new understanding of what it's like to be a resident at the facility - by becoming residents themselves.
The five employees moved into the facility and were each given a diagnosis, such as paralysis that required the employee to only eat pureed food and liquids. Another employee received a pair of glasses covered in glue to simulate not being able to see clearly.
The employees noted that the experience was, at times, challenging and frustrating. It also changed the way they approach their jobs and deliver care to the residents of Aviston Countryside Manor.
To learn more and view a video of the experience, click here.
The five employees moved into the facility and were each given a diagnosis, such as paralysis that required the employee to only eat pureed food and liquids. Another employee received a pair of glasses covered in glue to simulate not being able to see clearly.
The employees noted that the experience was, at times, challenging and frustrating. It also changed the way they approach their jobs and deliver care to the residents of Aviston Countryside Manor.
To learn more and view a video of the experience, click here.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
When is a Knee Not Just a Knee?
When is a knee not just a knee? When you think about it as a internal organ - at least according to The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The group is encouraging its members to view the risk of disability from osteoarthritis as being just as serious as the risk of disability from cardiovascular disease.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the top five causes of disability in older men and women. According to a researcher who will be presenting at the group's annual meeting, current treatments for the condition don't focus on its causes, something he feels should be changed.
To learn more, click here.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the top five causes of disability in older men and women. According to a researcher who will be presenting at the group's annual meeting, current treatments for the condition don't focus on its causes, something he feels should be changed.
To learn more, click here.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day!
From our team to yours, Happy Valentine's Day! In honor of this celebration of love, we wanted to share an article from the most recent issue of Embrace.
Be Mine
Tips for a Sweet Valentine's Day Celebration
By Laura Kuhn
Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to celebrate all of the love that your residents have experienced throughout their lives. It’s also the perfect time to show them how much you appreciate and care for them! Here are a few suggestions for creating a memorable Valentine’s Day celebration at your facility.
Sweet treats
At your party, invite residents to decorate cupcakes using pink and red frosting and sprinkles. After the cupcakes are decorated, it’s time for the really fun part – eating them!
To wash down the cupcakes, serve up a simple, low-sugar punch. Pour one liter of diet lemon-lime soda into a punch bowl and stir in ½ cup of liquid fruit punch concentrate. Using an ice cream scoop, add one pint of lemon or lime sherbet. When the sherbet starts to melt, stir the punch and serve.
Music
Set the tone at your party with romantic songs that topped the charts when your residents were younger. Music from past decades is easy to find on iTunes or on CDs from the local library. Here are a few song suggestions:
Bingo is always a popular facility activity, and this Valentine’s Day version is sure to be a hit as well! Create your own bingo cards using the names of Valentine’s Day treats, famous couples or love songs. There are traditionally 25 squares on a bingo card, but you’ll probably want to come up with a list of at least 50 terms so that not all of the cards you create are the same.
Love on the big screen
If your residents are in the mood for a more subdued celebration, consider popping in a DVD of a romantic movie. The following are on the American Film Institute’s “100 Years…100 Passions” compilation of the best romantic movies from the past 100 years.
Everyone loves receiving a gift on Valentine’s Day. Instead of just handing out trinkets to your residents, wrap up some small gifts, such as candy, crossword puzzle books, small teddy bears or inexpensive scented body lotion. Give your residents a stack of play money and have them bid on the wrapped items. They won’t know what they “bought” until they unwrap the item, which adds to the fun!
We hope these ideas help you create a sweet Valentine’s Day celebration!
Be Mine
Tips for a Sweet Valentine's Day Celebration
By Laura Kuhn
Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to celebrate all of the love that your residents have experienced throughout their lives. It’s also the perfect time to show them how much you appreciate and care for them! Here are a few suggestions for creating a memorable Valentine’s Day celebration at your facility.
Sweet treats
At your party, invite residents to decorate cupcakes using pink and red frosting and sprinkles. After the cupcakes are decorated, it’s time for the really fun part – eating them!
To wash down the cupcakes, serve up a simple, low-sugar punch. Pour one liter of diet lemon-lime soda into a punch bowl and stir in ½ cup of liquid fruit punch concentrate. Using an ice cream scoop, add one pint of lemon or lime sherbet. When the sherbet starts to melt, stir the punch and serve.
Music
Set the tone at your party with romantic songs that topped the charts when your residents were younger. Music from past decades is easy to find on iTunes or on CDs from the local library. Here are a few song suggestions:
- “In the Mood,” Glenn Miller
- “Crazy,” Patsy Cline
- “Moon River,” Andy Williams
- “Come Rain or Come Shine,” Billie Holiday
- “Fools Rush In,” Frank Sinatra
Bingo is always a popular facility activity, and this Valentine’s Day version is sure to be a hit as well! Create your own bingo cards using the names of Valentine’s Day treats, famous couples or love songs. There are traditionally 25 squares on a bingo card, but you’ll probably want to come up with a list of at least 50 terms so that not all of the cards you create are the same.
Love on the big screen
If your residents are in the mood for a more subdued celebration, consider popping in a DVD of a romantic movie. The following are on the American Film Institute’s “100 Years…100 Passions” compilation of the best romantic movies from the past 100 years.
- Casablanca
- Gone with the Wind
- Roman Holiday
- From Here to Eternity
- It Happened One Night
Everyone loves receiving a gift on Valentine’s Day. Instead of just handing out trinkets to your residents, wrap up some small gifts, such as candy, crossword puzzle books, small teddy bears or inexpensive scented body lotion. Give your residents a stack of play money and have them bid on the wrapped items. They won’t know what they “bought” until they unwrap the item, which adds to the fun!
We hope these ideas help you create a sweet Valentine’s Day celebration!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Study: Medication Format Related to Errors
Nursing home residents who are given medication in a liquid form are four times more likely to be given an improper dosage than those who are given pills or tablets, a new study found.
The study noted that the improper dosages were often associated with not shaking the liquid suspensions thoroughly enough. Conversely, administering pills or tablets resulted in fewer errors because they are dispensed using a monitored dosing systems, which cannot be used with liquid medications.
To learn more, click here.
The study noted that the improper dosages were often associated with not shaking the liquid suspensions thoroughly enough. Conversely, administering pills or tablets resulted in fewer errors because they are dispensed using a monitored dosing systems, which cannot be used with liquid medications.
To learn more, click here.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Study: Doctors Prescribing Fewer Antipsychotics to Seniors
After the FDA put a "black box" warning on certain antipsychotics for seniors with dementia, doctors have been been prescribing less of those medications, a new study found. A "black box" warning is the strongest warning that the FDA can put on a medication short of pulling it from the market.
The study, which was published in the February 7 edition of the Archives of General Psychology, revealed that the overall use of antipsychotics dropped from 18 percent in 1999 to 12 percent in 2007. These findings were based on data from Veterans Affairs registries.
To learn more, click here.
The study, which was published in the February 7 edition of the Archives of General Psychology, revealed that the overall use of antipsychotics dropped from 18 percent in 1999 to 12 percent in 2007. These findings were based on data from Veterans Affairs registries.
To learn more, click here.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Study: Researchers Overlooking Seniors
Even though 34 percent of medical expenditures come from seniors, more than half of U.S. clinical trials exclude the elderly, according to a new study out of the University of Michigan.
The study found that more than 50 percent of clinical trials published in major medical journals did not include seniors or people with age-related illnesses. The remaining studies also excluded frail participants and individuals with cognitive problems.
To learn more, click here.
The study found that more than 50 percent of clinical trials published in major medical journals did not include seniors or people with age-related illnesses. The remaining studies also excluded frail participants and individuals with cognitive problems.
To learn more, click here.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Recalls Mislabeled Medications
Qualitest Pharmaceuticals has announced that it is recalling specific lots of hydrocodone bitartrate and aacetaminophen tablets and phenobarbital tablets. The recall comes after a 60-count bottle of hydrocodone bitartrate and aacetaminophen tablets was found incorrectly labeled as phenobarbital tablets.
This mislabeling could cause patients to unintentionally ingest hydrocodone and aacetaminophen tablets instead of the intended dose of phenobarbital. This mix-up could lead to serious adverse events. Patients who accidentally ingest hydrocodone could experience respiratory depression, central nervous system (CNS) depression, coma and death. The risks are especially high for opioid naive patients and those who are on other CNS depressants. Unintentionally ingesting acetaminophen could lead to liver toxicity in patients who are taking other acetaminophen-containing medications, patients with liver dysfunction and people who consume three or more alcoholic drinks a day. Missing doses of phenobarbital could result in loss of seizure control.
Affected lots of the medications were distributed to wholesale and retail pharmacies between September 21, 2010 and December 29, 2010. To learn more and view affected lot numbers, click here.
This mislabeling could cause patients to unintentionally ingest hydrocodone and aacetaminophen tablets instead of the intended dose of phenobarbital. This mix-up could lead to serious adverse events. Patients who accidentally ingest hydrocodone could experience respiratory depression, central nervous system (CNS) depression, coma and death. The risks are especially high for opioid naive patients and those who are on other CNS depressants. Unintentionally ingesting acetaminophen could lead to liver toxicity in patients who are taking other acetaminophen-containing medications, patients with liver dysfunction and people who consume three or more alcoholic drinks a day. Missing doses of phenobarbital could result in loss of seizure control.
Affected lots of the medications were distributed to wholesale and retail pharmacies between September 21, 2010 and December 29, 2010. To learn more and view affected lot numbers, click here.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Study: Many Medicare Enrollees Not Receiving Recommended RA Drugs
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that more than one-third of the 93,000 Medicare recipients who receive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) did not receive recommended disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, or DMARDs.
Additionally, blacks, men, people living in poorer areas and residents of the Middle and South Atlantic regions are less likely to receive DMARDs. The study's lead author called this disparity "unacceptable."
To learn more, click here.
Additionally, blacks, men, people living in poorer areas and residents of the Middle and South Atlantic regions are less likely to receive DMARDs. The study's lead author called this disparity "unacceptable."
To learn more, click here.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Our New DC's First Order
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Congratulations, Sandy King!
"Sandy not only consistently has a great attitude, but she is also a dedicated employee who really works hard to do her job well," said Director of Employee and HR Relations Amy Gollan. "She has made many improvements to the department since she came on board and is always willing to go the extra mile."
When we asked Sandy why she enjoys being a member of Team ProMed, she said, “I really like the people I work with. I have made some good friends here. I also enjoy my job!"
As the Employee Spotlight Award winner, Sandy will be able to proudly display the Torch of Excellence trophy at her desk for the month of February. She was also given a $100 cash award.
Congratulations, Sandy!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
ProMed Closed Due to Blizzard
Due to the blizzard in the Midwest, Professional Medical is closed today. We will open again at full capacity as soon as possible and apologize for any inconvenience this might cause.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
KAHCF: F-441 Citations on the Rise
According to an article in the Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities' Members Only newsletter, there has been a trend in F-441 (Infection Control) citations. F-441 requires that facilities "establish and maintain an infection control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment and help prevent the development and transmission of disease and infection," according to the article.
The article adds that the most frequently cited deficient practice was failure to perform appropriate hand-washing and observe proper glove use. Other cited deficiencies included:
The article adds that the most frequently cited deficient practice was failure to perform appropriate hand-washing and observe proper glove use. Other cited deficiencies included:
- A CNA making contact with three residents without sanitizing his/her hands and then helping residents with their meals
- Staff members performing dressing changes and then placing a soiled brief over the new dressing
- Failing to disinfect a glucometer before and after use with multiple residents
- Applying creams or ointments with soiled hands
- Touching items in a resident's room with soiled gloved hands after performing wound or incontinence care
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