A recent age-adjusted analysis published in medrxiv.org, found that the only risk factors of lower Ab titres, (the titres that help protect from the COVID-19 virus) were being male and smoking cigarettes. The study also found that titres were significantly lower in current smokers than in ex-smokers. Now that over 60% of the population has been fully vaccinated, it might …
As we continue our journey through the pandemic and the inevitable changes in “scenery” COVID-19 has brought, there are a lot of questions regarding in home SNF care. One of the proponents of in-home SNF care points out that post-acute care is facing challenges with staffing, however, in the real-world, home health agencies are facing similar challenges with much less …
What a year it has been; actually, it has been almost 18 months and we are still battling the pandemic war. Honestly, did anyone predict that we would still be spreading the virus by this time in 2021? I certainly didn’t, but here we are! So, at the end of the day, what impact did this have on our seniors …
As we approach another annual “National Assisted Living Week” (September 12-18, 2021), it is a great reminder to be thankful to those who care for our frail elderly. National assisted living week was founded by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in 1995, way before assisted living became such a prominent part of the post-term care community! The logo …
I don’t know about you but as I age, I am feeling the effects of the “Ritis Brothers,” yep arthritis! I was having a conversation with a friend the other day and commented that if I’m sitting on a flat surface like the floor, my hips just don’t work as well when I try to get up. Very sad indeed …
We have all read articles on the negative health effects of caffeine on our body, right? I, for one, have rationalized why caffeine is important to my quality of life, everything from preventing headaches, keeping me awake and tuned in, and of course because what isn’t to love about caffeine? It doesn’t matter if you drink a delicious cup of …
Post-pandemic, everyone is dieting; we hear things like “I caught the 19,” meaning pounds not the virus! Yes, as we hunkered down and tried to stay sane, many of us turned to comfort foods, good wine, pizza, and anything that could be delivered to our doorsteps. Now we face the challenge of reintroducing healthy eating to our lifestyles. You may …
Alzheimer’s is a horrible, debilitating disease that brings heartbreak and loss to way too many families. It is no wonder that drug manufacturers are working diligently to find a treatment. Sadly, many of the drug trials we have heard about have not been successful so imagine the excitement when Biogen announced they had a treatment option!
President Biden has announced that his administration plans to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all nursing home staff. Everyone is getting very nervous, the associations are speaking out on our behalf and now we sit and wait for the final rule. But, should we really be nervous? Should we be concerned that we will lose more staff? Staff that we don’t …
The pandemic has had a huge impact on all of us, but even more so for residents living in post-acute centers. We have all witnessed the loneliness, isolation, physical and mental declines and if that isn’t troubling enough, a recent study found a significant increase in residents receiving antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, trazodone hydrochloride, anticonvulsants, and opioids. If you think about …
