Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.
For many in end-of-life care, a loss of appetite is a natural part of the body's process as it prepares to shut down. This is one of the most difficult things for family and friends to witness, often leading to concerns about **how long an elderly person can live with very little food**.
Studies have shown that even healthcare workers, with good intentions, often use elderspeak with older adults. This article clarifies **which of the following are examples of elders speak** and why this form of communication can be harmful, helping you ensure your interactions are always respectful.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are a leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. For many families, considering if **an Apple Watch is good for seniors** has become part of the discussion about independence, safety, and proactive health monitoring. It offers advanced features, but its complexity and cost may not be right for every individual.
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, pressure injuries affect over 2.5 million patients annually in the United States, with wheelchair users at a particularly high risk. This underscores the vital importance of the question: **do residents in wheelchairs need to be repositioned?** The answer is an unequivocal yes, and understanding the 'why' is critical for providing proper care.
According to the CDC, approximately 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year, resulting in over 32,000 deaths. A proactive, multi-faceted approach is crucial when considering how to support residents to reduce risk of falls and prevent injuries that can significantly impact their quality of life.
According to the Alzheimer's Association®, regular visits from family and friends can be therapeutic and beneficial for individuals with dementia. Determining **how often should you visit a person in memory care** is a common challenge, as the ideal frequency depends on the individual’s needs, their stage of dementia, and their emotional response to visits.
According to studies, a strong positive correlation exists between hospital admission and admission to a skilled nursing facility (SNF), especially for older adults. So, what is a common reason why a patient is admitted into a skilled nursing facility? It's often due to the patient's inability to safely return home following a hospital discharge, requiring intensive rehabilitation or medical services.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bed rails pose a significant risk of entrapment, injury, and death, particularly for older adults with certain conditions. Knowing when to take side rails off bed and when to use safer alternatives is a critical aspect of providing safe and compassionate senior care.
Approximately 70% of adults aged 65 and older will need long-term care services at some point. With this in mind, a core function of the nursing assistant is to create an environment where residents can thrive by focusing on what can the nursing assistant do to help residents stay independent. This involves balancing necessary support with empowering residents to participate in their own care and daily choices.
Medication-related problems are estimated to cause up to 28% of geriatric hospital admissions annually. For older adults, age-related physiological changes complicate drug use, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Understanding **what are some challenges regarding medications and older patients** is a vital step toward safer, more effective senior care.
