According to researchers at the CDC, older adults who suffer from arthritis should also be screened for anxiety. The researchers analyzed the records of 1,793 individuals with diagnosed rheumatic or arthritic conditions and found that one-third of them suffered from anxiety or depression, with anxiety being twice as common as depression.
To learn more, click here.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Eight Foods to Avoid if You Want to Stay on Good Terms with Your Tummy
In theory, our bodies should be able to digest just about anything we put in our mouths - however, we all know that process is more pleasant for some foods than others! We've put together a list of foods to avoid if you're looking to stay on friendly terms with your digestive system.
1. High-fat and fried foods: These (often delicious) items can overwhelm your stomach, leading to heartburn and acid reflux. .
2. Chili peppers: The go-to ingredient in many spicy recipes, chili peppers can irritate the esophagus and lead to heartburn pain.
3. Dairy: For the lactose intolerant, dairy can cause diarrhea, gas, abdominal bloating and cramps.
4. Alcohol: While it might taste good going down, alcohol can do a number on your digestive system. It relaxes the esophageal sphincter, which can cause acid reflux or heartburn. It can also inflame your stomach lining, impair certain enzymes and prevent nutrients from being absorbed. Consuming too much alcohol can also cause diarrhea and cramping.
5. Berries: While only a theory, and not scientifically proven, many doctors believe that tiny berry seeds can be a problem for people who have diverticulitis, or pockets that develop in the intestine and become inflamed or infected.
6. Chocolate: Chocolate can cause digestive trouble in people with irritable bowel syndrome or chronic constipation.
7. Coffee, tea and soft drinks: These don't only over-relax the esophageal sphincter (which keeps stomach acid confined), they can also act as diuretics, leading to diarrhea and cramping. Caffeinated beverages are especially bad for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
8. Corn: The jokes about corn and digestion are true. Humans lack the enzyme required to break down cellulose, a type of fiber found in corn.
To learn more, click here.
1. High-fat and fried foods: These (often delicious) items can overwhelm your stomach, leading to heartburn and acid reflux. .
2. Chili peppers: The go-to ingredient in many spicy recipes, chili peppers can irritate the esophagus and lead to heartburn pain.
3. Dairy: For the lactose intolerant, dairy can cause diarrhea, gas, abdominal bloating and cramps.
4. Alcohol: While it might taste good going down, alcohol can do a number on your digestive system. It relaxes the esophageal sphincter, which can cause acid reflux or heartburn. It can also inflame your stomach lining, impair certain enzymes and prevent nutrients from being absorbed. Consuming too much alcohol can also cause diarrhea and cramping.
5. Berries: While only a theory, and not scientifically proven, many doctors believe that tiny berry seeds can be a problem for people who have diverticulitis, or pockets that develop in the intestine and become inflamed or infected.
6. Chocolate: Chocolate can cause digestive trouble in people with irritable bowel syndrome or chronic constipation.
7. Coffee, tea and soft drinks: These don't only over-relax the esophageal sphincter (which keeps stomach acid confined), they can also act as diuretics, leading to diarrhea and cramping. Caffeinated beverages are especially bad for people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
8. Corn: The jokes about corn and digestion are true. Humans lack the enzyme required to break down cellulose, a type of fiber found in corn.
To learn more, click here.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Manufacturers Respond to a “Weighty” Problem in LTC
The number of obese residents being admitted to long-term care centers
grew roughly 25 percent over a 10-year period and this number is expected to
keep climbing. Obese residents are more likely to have comorbid conditions,
including diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, depression and allergies. As
caregivers and manufacturers have discovered, they also have different product
needs.
Manufacturers have developed bariatric offerings for everything from
beds to briefs to bathing equipment. Scales and lifts have been modified for
higher weight capacities and commodes, walkers and wheelchairs have been
widened, and some bedpans can support up to 1200 pounds.
Bariatric products should be used in conjunction with facility-wide
education on the unique needs and challenges of the bariatric population. Many
facilities have found that a comprehensive team approach helps bariatric
residents function at their highest possible level. This approach could
include:
- A safe lifting program to help prevent caregiver injuries from handling heavier residents
- Physical and occupational therapists to motivate bariatric residents to become increasingly mobile
- Individualized dietary programs
- Behavioral and emotional support
1 Lapane KL, Resnik L. Obesity in nursing homes: An escalating problem. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2005;53:1386-1391.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
CMS: Providers Now Required to Use NPI on Paperwork
As of June 26, providers and suppliers who submit Medicaid and Medicare claims must provide an identification number on their paperwork, including enrollment applications and payment claims. CMS estimates that the inclusion of this 10-digit number - known as the National Provider Identifier (NPI) - will save Medicare $1.6 billion over the space of 10 years. The NPI is also required for HIPAA transactions.
NPIs are used to verify certification as a means of curbing Medicare and Medicaid abuse and fraud. Most providers already have an NPI.
Click here to read to full rule.
NPIs are used to verify certification as a means of curbing Medicare and Medicaid abuse and fraud. Most providers already have an NPI.
Click here to read to full rule.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Do You Know the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
Twenty-four million people in the U.S. have diabetes, but only about 18 million of them know it. About 90 percent of those people have type 2 diabetes. The following 10 symptoms might indicate that it's time to see your doctor for a blood sugar test.
- Increased urination
- Excessive thirst
- Weight loss
- Hunger
- Skin problems
- Slow healing
- Yeast infections
- Fatigue and irritability
- Blurry vision
- Tingling or numbness
Monday, April 23, 2012
New Trend: ERs Tailored to the Elderly
We always enjoy passing along interesting articles to you and today we have one that we think everyone in long-term care (or anyone caring for an elderly person) will enjoy. MSNBC has a feature on hospitals that are designing emergency rooms specifically for the older set.
Buildings ERs around the needs of the elderly makes a lot of sense, considering that 25 percent of ER visits each year are made by people 65 years and older.
The geriatric centered emergency department, or "geri-ed," at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City is in a quieter, calmer setting where patients can wait to be seen by professionals specially trained in elderly care. They also offer thick mattresses to help prevent pressure ulcers, skid-proof floors and curtains designed to produce less noise.
To read the full article, click here.
Buildings ERs around the needs of the elderly makes a lot of sense, considering that 25 percent of ER visits each year are made by people 65 years and older.
The geriatric centered emergency department, or "geri-ed," at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City is in a quieter, calmer setting where patients can wait to be seen by professionals specially trained in elderly care. They also offer thick mattresses to help prevent pressure ulcers, skid-proof floors and curtains designed to produce less noise.
To read the full article, click here.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Study: AL Residents Typically Pay for Their Own Care
A new study out of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that assisted living (AL) residents tend to be from mid- to high-income households and generally pay for their own care.
According to the study, AL residents tend to earn their income through annuitized forms, such as Social Security, pensions, private annuities and investment income. The majority of them don't require assistance from family members in order to pay for their care.
To learn more, click here.
According to the study, AL residents tend to earn their income through annuitized forms, such as Social Security, pensions, private annuities and investment income. The majority of them don't require assistance from family members in order to pay for their care.
To learn more, click here.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
It's Ba-ack! U.S. Sees Largest Number of Measles Cases in 15 Years
Even though it's been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, the number of measles cases and outbreaks spiked last year, according to the CDC.
In 2011, there were 222 cases of measles in the U.S, the highest number reported in 15 years. That figure is triple the number of cases that were reported in 2009 and 2010.
About half of the 2011 cases developed during outbreaks, which are defined as at least three cases that can be linked to each other. In 2011, there were 17 measles outbreaks. (During the previous decade, the average was four per year.)
Ninety percent of the 2011 cases originated in other countries where measles is still endemic, such as France, Italy, Romania, Spain and Germany. The illness was then transmitted to others in the U.S. The majority of the infected were people who hadn't received the MMR vaccine.
The vaccine is recommended for all children ages 12 to 15 months, with a booster shot at age 4 to 6 years. Children who will be traveling abroad can receive the vaccine as young as 6 months. Adults can be vaccinated if they did not receive the vaccine when they were younger.
To learn more, click here.
In 2011, there were 222 cases of measles in the U.S, the highest number reported in 15 years. That figure is triple the number of cases that were reported in 2009 and 2010.
About half of the 2011 cases developed during outbreaks, which are defined as at least three cases that can be linked to each other. In 2011, there were 17 measles outbreaks. (During the previous decade, the average was four per year.)
Ninety percent of the 2011 cases originated in other countries where measles is still endemic, such as France, Italy, Romania, Spain and Germany. The illness was then transmitted to others in the U.S. The majority of the infected were people who hadn't received the MMR vaccine.
The vaccine is recommended for all children ages 12 to 15 months, with a booster shot at age 4 to 6 years. Children who will be traveling abroad can receive the vaccine as young as 6 months. Adults can be vaccinated if they did not receive the vaccine when they were younger.
To learn more, click here.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
HHS Establishes Administration for Community Living
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the creation of the Administration for Community Living, which consolidates the Administration on Aging, the Office on Disability and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
The Administration for Community Living will partner with CMS "to develop, refine and strengthen policies that promote independent living among all populations, especially those served by Medicaid."
To learn more, click here.
The Administration for Community Living will partner with CMS "to develop, refine and strengthen policies that promote independent living among all populations, especially those served by Medicaid."
To learn more, click here.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Happy National Volunteer Week!
This week marks the 38th annual National Volunteer Week! The theme of this year's event is "Celebrating People in Action."
According to the Points of Light Institute, National Volunteer Week "is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It's about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals."
This week is also the perfect time to show the volunteers at your facility how much you appreciate all that they do to brighten the lives of your staff and residents. If you haven't already, why not pick up some treats for your volunteers or encourage residents to write thank-you notes? If you have other ideas for showing your appreciation, please share them with us!
To download the 2012 Resource Guide, click here.
According to the Points of Light Institute, National Volunteer Week "is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It's about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals."
This week is also the perfect time to show the volunteers at your facility how much you appreciate all that they do to brighten the lives of your staff and residents. If you haven't already, why not pick up some treats for your volunteers or encourage residents to write thank-you notes? If you have other ideas for showing your appreciation, please share them with us!
To download the 2012 Resource Guide, click here.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Kudos to Al and Alix Wiggs!
It always makes our day to hear that our customers appreciate our hard work. We were honored to receive this thank-you note commending our father-daughter team of Al and Alix Wiggs!
Friday, April 13, 2012
Study: More Senior Living Communities Needed
A new report from the Center for Housing Policy says that many states are not adequately prepared to meet their seniors' needs and should take a look at expanding housing assistance to accommodate them.
One potential way to do this, the study notes, is to broaden the Home- and Community-Based Services Medicaid waiver program. Other options include supporting the growth of continuing care retirement communities and assisted living, creating flexible zoning rules and expanding transportation services for seniors.
To learn more, click here.
One potential way to do this, the study notes, is to broaden the Home- and Community-Based Services Medicaid waiver program. Other options include supporting the growth of continuing care retirement communities and assisted living, creating flexible zoning rules and expanding transportation services for seniors.
To learn more, click here.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Soaring Painkiller Sales Prompt Concerns
According to an Associated Press analysis, the number of painkiller addicts in the U.S. is rising in tandem with an increase in the sales of potent painkillers, including oxycodone. This is leading to concerns over the rising number of addicts and a lack of places to treat them.
The AP reported that pharmacies received and dispensed around 69 tons of pure oxycodone and 42 tons of pure hydrocodone in 2010. In some U.S. locations, the sales of oxycodone have increased as much as sixteenfold, with the strongest sales being in Tennessee and Kentucky.
The increase in sales can be partially attributed to the increase in older patients and injured veterans needing painkillers. However, the powerful drugs have also been targeted by thieves in nursing facilities.
To learn more, click here.
The AP reported that pharmacies received and dispensed around 69 tons of pure oxycodone and 42 tons of pure hydrocodone in 2010. In some U.S. locations, the sales of oxycodone have increased as much as sixteenfold, with the strongest sales being in Tennessee and Kentucky.
The increase in sales can be partially attributed to the increase in older patients and injured veterans needing painkillers. However, the powerful drugs have also been targeted by thieves in nursing facilities.
To learn more, click here.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Meet Norovirus's Mean Little Cousin: Sapovirus
The word "norovirus" is enough to strike fear into the hearts of nursing home staff everywhere. Now there's a new germ on the scene to dread: sapovirus.
The once-rare sapovirus is on the rise, particularly in nursing homes and other long-term care centers. It is spread the same way norovirus is spread, through person-to-person contact, on surfaces and through food, and it causes many of the same symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting and sometimes fever.
For most people, saporvirus is a miserable, but brief, experience. But for the elderly, children and other people with weakened immune systems, it can be deadly.
The same steps that can halt norovirus can keep sapovirus from spreading, including good hand hygiene, careful food preparation and keeping the environment clean.
To learn more, click here.
The once-rare sapovirus is on the rise, particularly in nursing homes and other long-term care centers. It is spread the same way norovirus is spread, through person-to-person contact, on surfaces and through food, and it causes many of the same symptoms, including diarrhea, vomiting and sometimes fever.
For most people, saporvirus is a miserable, but brief, experience. But for the elderly, children and other people with weakened immune systems, it can be deadly.
The same steps that can halt norovirus can keep sapovirus from spreading, including good hand hygiene, careful food preparation and keeping the environment clean.
To learn more, click here.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Study: MRSA Can Lurk on Dentures
Biofilms can contain germs such as MRSA and drug-resistant staphylococcus aureus, which can lurk on dentures until being breathed into the lungs, where they can cause hard-to-treat infections.
To prevent this, the study's authors recommend zapping your dentures in the microwave for three minutes (don't do this if your dentures contain metal components!) or soaking them in a solution of 2 percent chlorhexidine gluconate, a germicidal mouthwash, for 10 minutes. Both of these strategies were shown disinfect dentures coated with tough MRSA biofilms for up to a week.
To learn more, click here.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Diabetic Testing: Identifying Savings Opportunities
Did you know that diabetic care items account for at least 10 percent
of a facility’s product spend? On average, a 100-bed facility will spend
between $600 and $1,200 per month on testing supplies, which works out to being
between $7,200 and $14,000 per year. How can you ensure that you’re getting the
most for your money?
One strategy is to compare the number of strips to the number of lancets your facility is using. Ideally, this should be a 1:1 ratio. If you are seeing anything above a 4 percent variance, it might be time to address the issue through training and tracking. This variance could also indicate that it’s time to take a look at the products you are purchasing. For example, if you are purchasing a less-expensive lancet that is failing more often than one that is slightly more expensive, it is not truly cost effective.
Another area to evaluate is your control solution use. These products
can become contaminated if used improperly, so educating your staff on the
proper technique for administering control solution tests can help both your
staff and your bottom line.
Your ProMed territory manager is ready to help you identify additional opportunities for savings!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
ProMed Easter Closure Reminder
We wanted to remind you that our office will be closed on Friday, April 6 in honor of Good Friday/Easter. Orders that were placed after noon on April 2 will be delivered to you next week.
If you have any questions at all, we invite you to contact our Customer Care team at 800.648.5190.
From our team to yours, have a safe and happy Easter!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
CMS Releases Memo Clarifying April 1 MDS 3.0 Changes
CMS has issued a new memo that provides answers to a number of questions related to the payment-related policies that went into effect on April 1.
Issues that are addressed include:
Issues that are addressed include:
- Clarification regarding instances where assessment are not combined properly
- Clarification regarding the term "used for payment"
- Clarification regarding setting the ARD for unscheduled PPS assessments
- Clarification regarding the penalty for early COT assessments
- Clarification regarding the penalty for late unscheduled assessments
- Clarification regarding missed unscheduled PPS assessments
- Clarification regarding how early, late and missed unscheduled assessments may create a "compounding effect" with other assessment requirements
- Clarification regarding inactivating assessments
- Clarification regarding completing the interview items on unscheduled PPS assessments
- Clarification regarding the completion requirements for an EOT OMRA
Monday, April 2, 2012
Report: Nursing Homes Show Slowest Growth in LTC Sector
Due to reliance on government funding, nursing homes posted the weakest revenue growth in the LTC sector in 2011, according to a new report.
As a whole, the LTC industry (including assisted living, hospice, home healthcare and skilled nursing care) posted revenue growth of 5.5 percent between 2006 and 2011, topping out at $259 billion. Hospice and home health were the strongest performers.
According to the report, nursing home revenue was down because of both Medicaid cuts and state budget deficits. However, nursing home care was the largest single budget item in a large number of states, with an average of 22 percent.
The report also noted that assisted living seems poised for further growth as perceptions of these facilities has shifted away from "institution-like."
To learn more, click here.
As a whole, the LTC industry (including assisted living, hospice, home healthcare and skilled nursing care) posted revenue growth of 5.5 percent between 2006 and 2011, topping out at $259 billion. Hospice and home health were the strongest performers.
According to the report, nursing home revenue was down because of both Medicaid cuts and state budget deficits. However, nursing home care was the largest single budget item in a large number of states, with an average of 22 percent.
The report also noted that assisted living seems poised for further growth as perceptions of these facilities has shifted away from "institution-like."
To learn more, click here.
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