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Consolidation of Healthcare Proves Controversial
The consolidation of healthcare practices through acquisitions may seem to be in line with healthcare reform’s goal of providing better, more coordinated care at lower cost, but some question whether such consolidation is anti-competitive in nature and therefore might drive prices up in the long run. Read the story
Internet Use Can Reduce Depression in Seniors
Among retirees ages 50 and older, Internet use may lead to a more than 30 percent reduction in risk of depression, according to a new study. Read the story
With other factors held constant — such as whether the seniors lived with other people — the authors found that roughly 7 in 100 Internet users were estimated to have depression, whereas 10 in 100 non-computer users were estimated to have depression.
Hospital Kitchens Can be Source of Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Research has shown that cutting boards used in hospital kitchens to prepare poultry might be harboring dangerous drug-resistant bacteria. Read the story
Annuities and Life Insurance Policies May Offer Ways to Pay for Long-Term Care
Long-term care insurance is not the only way to cover the costs associated with long-term care; annuities, life insurance policies and reverse mortgages offer some resources for covering the care needed. Read the story
Aggressive Behavior Linked to Pain in Severe Dementia
According to a new study, aggressive behavior in dementia patients is correlated to pain when the level of dementia is more severe, suggesting that caregivers for patients with severe dementia might try to address pain issues when confronting aggressive behavior. Read the story
House Calls No Longer a Thing of the Past
House calls, as part of a palliative care program, are making a comeback and, in some cases, preventing unnecessary hospital readmissions. Read the story
Confusion continues to exist over what palliative care is and whom it is for. Broadly, it is meant to ease symptoms and pain, and focus on quality of life for severely ill patients, who can choose between continuing or halting traditional medical treatment.
FDA Changes Warning Label for Opioids
In order to combat a growing number of overdoses, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is now requiring stronger warning labels on opioids, indicating that they should only be used by patients in severe pain. Read the story
Partnership with Regional Pharmacy Increases Vaccination Rate
By collaborating with a regional pharmacy, 14 long-term care facilities in Pennsylvania were able to increase their staff flu vaccination rates, providing a safer environment for employees and patients. Read the story
Common Sedatives May Exacerbate COPD
Certain commonly-prescribed medications for anxiety and insomnia may cause breathing problems in older COPD patients, requiring hospitalization in some cases. Read the story
Measure Would Protect Medi-Cal Funding
California hospitals are supporting a measure would protect funds earmarked for Medi-Cal programs from being moved into a general fund. Read the story
The complex measure is known as the Medi-Cal Funding and Accountability Act of 2014. Proponents say it will preserve a system that works to support Medi-Cal programs in the state, including children’s hospitals that serve many pediatric Medi-Cal patients, by taxing all hospitals to help subsidize those that see many Medi-Cal patients.
Opinions expressed in any of the included stories or their publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Kindred Healthcare and this blog post is a compilation of news stories from other sources that have appeared during the past week.
Filed under: Bundled Payments, Caregivers, Long Term Care, Palliative Care, readmissions, Rehospitalization, Research, Uncategorized Tagged: Affordable Care Act, annuities, COPD, dementia, depression, drug-resistant bacteria, FDA, healthcare reform, house calls, internet, life insurance policy, long-term care insurance, Opioids, pain, sedatives, seniors, vaccination
