McKnight’s recently had an article about a study showing the dangers of fractures. Fractures may reduce life expectancy by 7 years. Bone fractures are associated with a loss of one to seven years of life. Researchers found that the risk of premature death depends on fracture type. The highest risk was found for patients with
The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society published research showing investigators developed and validated models that can predict the risk of fall-related injuries in nursing home residents based on clinical data. The data should be routine. The prediction models achieved success for accurately estimating individuals’ six-month and two-year risk of fall-related injuries. “These models can
McKnight’s reported on a new study published in JAMA showing the need for safe fall prevention. Falls remain the leading cause of injury among older adults in the United States and among the top causes of death. The 20-year study noted deaths caused by traumatic falls are increasing. Overall, deaths from falls rose dramatically. More than 10,000 in
Osteoporosis 20 percent of American women ages 50 and older have osteoporosis and more than half have detectable bone loss (osteopenia). This is one reason caregivers must be careful when providing care or assistance. One out of three women over age 50 and one out of five older men will develop an osteoporotic fracture—a hip,
Broken bones from falls and other traumatic incidents at nursing homes occur often. The cause is typically unsafe staffing levels. A new study from Australia finds that increased intake of dairy foods may prevent fractures. The study shows more dairy products to nursing home residents could reduce risk of falls and fractures. Increased dairy consumption
Need vs. Cost Alex Spanko at Skilled Nursing News had a remarkable article about the need for therapy in nursing homes. He references a self-serving new study by lobbyists for physical and occupational therapists that show increased intensity of therapy services may directly lead to better outcomes for nursing home residents. Residents getting 90 to