Current Issue

Palliative and End-of-Life Care in LTC: Practical Implications of Understanding Spirituality and Religion

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:30:30 -0400

This article is the third in a series on palliative care in the LTC setting. Part I appeared in the April issue, and Part II appeared in the May issue of the Journal.

Cerumen: Insights and Management

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:41:17 -0400

Cerumen is an amalgam of secretions from the cerumenous and sebaceous glands that line the lateral aspect of the external ear canal, and shed epithelial remnants and occasional extraneous material that finds its way into the external auditory canal. Although present in all age groups, cerumen may become particularly problematic in the elderly population and those residing in LTC facilities; impacted cerumen may lead to both worsening of an existing hearing deficit and unexpected cognitive and behavioral irregularities.

How Much Do Older Americans Know About Shingles?

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:46:08 -0400

Introduction
Herpes zoster (shingles) is a common disease among older adults that can cause considerable suffering from acute and chronic pain, or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). The incidence of herpes zoster in persons over age 65 years is more than 11 per 1000 person-years, with an estimated several hundred thousand cases occurring in older adults each year in the United States.^1,2 Older adults with herpes zoster are at much higher risk than younger individuals for developing PHN.

Top Factors for Successful Management of After-Hours Calls

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:50:45 -0400

On-call rotations are stressful for most clinicians. Taking on-calls for the nursing home (NH) population presents many challenges for covering clinicians, who may not be familiar with geriatrics practices and patient presentations. Information related to the patient condition may be communicated adequately from the nursing staff, but the clinician may not be familiar with NH capabilities of care and other mitigating circumstances. Liability and the ability to assess the best place of care based on patient changes in condition can make for difficult decision-making.

Sleep Disturbance in ALF Residents Associated With Declining Functional Status and Quality of Life and Increased Depression, Stu

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:58:57 -0400

A growing number of older adults who have difficulty living independently, but don’t require the full range of services that nursing homes (NHs) provide, are moving to assisted living facilities (ALFs). While residents of ALFs are typically higher functioning and more independent than NH residents, research suggests that ALF residents are at a very vulnerable point in their lives: They run a high risk of loss of function that could ultimately lead to their placement in NHs.

American Thoracic Society 2010 International Conference

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:02:24 -0400

The 2010 International Conference of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) was held in New Orleans, LA, May 14-19, with an international attendance of over 15,000 persons. This annual meeting of respiratory health researchers and clinicians took on additional significance since 2010 has been designated the “Year of the Lung” by hundreds of international organizations focusing on the importance of lung health and lung disease.

Medication Reconciliation in LTC

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:07:21 -0400

To the Editor:

I enjoyed reading “Medicine Reconciliation and Seamless Care in the Long-Term Care Setting.”¹ My main admitting hospital is very "quality” concerned. Therefore, they have initiated a mandatory medicine reconciliation form at discharge.

Medical Futility in LTC

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:09:31 -0400

To the Editor:

Urinary Tract Infections in LTC

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:11:17 -0400

To the Editor:

When I received the February 2010 issue and saw on the cover that it was the “Infectious Diseases Issue,” I was excited. I take care of 80 long-term care (LTC) patients, and previously had 160. I consider my specialty the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infection (UTI) and the prevention of antibiotic resistance.

First Report®

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:19:31 -0400

American Society of Consultant Pharmacists 32nd Midyear Conference
Phoenix, AZ; May 26-28, 2010

Ropinirole XL in the Management of Parkinson’s Disease: LTC and F-Tag Quality Indicators