Introduction

Osteoporosis is a common condition among nursing home residents. About 85% of new nursing home residents have been reported to have osteoporosis.1 Furthermore, nursing home residents are at a high risk of developing osteoporosis-related fractures. Hip fractures are the most common osteoporotic fractures among this patient population, with an annual rate of 5% to 6%.2 Bisphosphonates are widely prescribed for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.3 Four bisphosphonates are currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States for

Scabies is a contagious parasitic disease (infestation) of the skin that can infect residents of long-term care facilities. By the time scabies is suspected, many residents and staff have been exposed, and, until properly treated, continued transmission is predictable. Facility outbreak control policies either do not exist or are outdated, resulting in the administration of ineffective scabicides or scabicides being improperly administered. To prevent outbreaks, facilities should develop a written scabies outbreak control plan; train healthcare workers to recognize, document, and report the co

There are many reasons why I’m a member of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS). I joined the organization 24 years ago, and in terms of what it’s meant for my career, it’s been a place where I’ve developed great relationships with wonderful colleagues.

Among other things, these relationships have helped me maintain my passion for caring for older people, particularly at times when that’s been difficult. Our current healthcare system creates many challenges for our field; financing has and continues to be a problem. But the relationships I’ve developed with colleagues have help

To the Editor:

I am disappointed to see the author of “Nursing Home Violence: Occurrence, Risks, and Interventions”1 stating, “Traditionally, NHs [nursing homes] have relied on physical restraints,” then later continue with, “Generally the hierarchy of restraints goes from a Posey vest or reclining chair with or without lockable tray to a two-point restraint….” I don't know how long ago this author stepped foot in a NH in Wisconsin, but this is NOT true in Wisconsin—and especially not true in the facility where I am the Director of Nursing. Hospitals still hav

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Pain Medication Protocol for Chronic Pain in a LTC Setting

Charlotte, NC—Chronic pain is common among the long-term care population. It is estimated that 45-80% of nursing home patients have chronic pain. Despite its prevalence, pain in this population is often underdetected and undertreated.

At the AMDA meeting, Serge Gingras, MD, and colleagues described a pain management program that was implemented at Sainte-Anne Hospital in Montreal, a veterans’ hospital, in the year 2000. The indicator used in their program, percentage of residents with 50% o