This November, there will be an important proposition on the ballot that all advocates of older adults should be aware of. The Troy and Alana Pack Patient Safety Act, also known as Proposition 46, is a ballot initiative that will protect patients from corporate greed in healthcare services. It is…
End-of-life care and decisions are an emotional and stressful process for both the patient and surrounding family members. Death is part of life that everyone goes through, yet it remains a traumatic experience. Older adults face end-of-life issues when they choose to receive therapeutic care rather than aggressive treatment, and…
According to the New York Times, the federal government will be implementing significant changes to the rating system of nursing homes in the United States. Currently, the ratings are based on a five star system that is scrutinized by the public. This five star rating system “has been criticized for…
According the Medline Plus, “A nursing home is a place for people who don’t need to be in a hospital but can’t be cared for at home. Most nursing homes have nursing aides and skilled nurses on hand 24 hours a day.” Skilled Nursing Facilities were instituted to administer adequate…
Throughout the 21st century, technology has evolved and become a monumental necessity in our everyday lives. The technological advancements have unfolded exponentially throughout recent years and have modernized prominent industries, including the medical field. According to the Boston Globe, a major innovation in the medical realm is the initiation of…
Medical Errors account for approximately 1,000 deaths daily. These preventable errors are the third leading cause of death in 2013. Medical Errors are avertable actions that can include errors in medication administration and botched surgeries. With simple changes in attention and focus, coupled with assistance from the government health agencies,…
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the SCAN Health Plan, and The Commonwealth Fund produced the second annual State Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Scorecard, which gages system performance from the perspective of service users and their families. The finest quality of care in a skilled nursing…
As reported in the Los Angeles Times , a study shows that in 1999, more than 98,000 wrongful deaths occurred due to medical error, and the number has since fluctuated significantly. The majority of medical errors are caused by the negligence of healthcare professionals when distributing medications. Certain combinations of antibiotics can lead…
Recent revisions to Medicare’s policy on physical therapy and other services are leading to more coverage for those requiring skilled care from outpatient therapy, home health, and skilled nursing facilities. Prior to this revision, many individuals were unable to obtain insurance coverage for treatments, including physical therapy and occupational therapy,…
It is becoming increasingly evident that pharmacological interventions should be a last resort when treating patients with dementia. Due to a lack of resources and staff most skilled nursing home facilities overlook non-pharmacological options. However, studies have shown that non-pharmacological treatments are a safer alternative for patients. While pharmacological interventions…