Latest KFF Health News Stories
Docs In Northwest Tweak Aid-In-Dying Drugs To Prevent Prolonged Deaths
Some terminal patients, typically high-dose opioid users, who choose to end their lives have taken many hours, even days, to die.
‘Tsunami’ Of Alzheimer’s Cases Among Latinos Raises Concerns Over Costs, Caregiving
The number of U.S. Latinos with the memory-robbing disease is expected to rise more than eightfold by 2060 to 3.5 million.
Death Doesn’t Have To Be So Scary
Taking time to discuss the inevitable can help conquer a universal fear.
Humor may be an antidote for the pain of death for both patients and survivors.
Trying To Solve The Alzheimer’s Puzzle
Alzheimer’s researchers hold onto hope after another promising trial ends in disappointment.
Inside Hospital, Families Find Refuge With Recliners, Tissues And Cake
More hospitals, including Montefiore Medical Center in New York, are setting up support centers to help stressed-out family members cope.
Meals On Wheels Wants To Be The ‘Eyes and Ears’ For Hospitals, Doctors
By checking up on the health and safety of meal recipients, volunteers for the nonprofit network can provide valuable information to medical providers and help ensure better care.
Keeping Lonely Seniors Company Can Help Keep Them Healthy
Little Brothers, which operates in San Francisco and several other cities, sends volunteers to brighten the lives of isolated elderly people, helping to reduce the risk of serious illness.
New Nursing Home Rules Offer Residents More Control Of Their Care
People in these facilities are now guaranteed more flexibility on food and roommate choices, as well as improved procedures for grievances and discharges.
Early Alzheimer’s Gene Spells Tragedy For Patients, Opportunity For Science
Researchers are studying families from the U.S. and Mexico for clues to how Alzheimer’s develops in young patients, with the hope of finding treatments and even cures for the more common form of the disease.
Aging And Addicted: The Opioid Epidemic Affects Older Adults, Too
Using opioids to treat pain in seniors has been common, and that has led some to dependence disorders in later life.
When Looking For A Nursing Home, You May Get Little Help From Your Hospital
Hospitals rarely help patients find the best nursing home. When they do advise, hospitals sometimes push their own facilities.
In Colorado, A Low-Price Drug Cocktail Will Tamp Down Cost Of Death With Dignity
Advocates want alternatives to drugmaker’s pricey pills for those who choose to die in Colorado and elsewhere.
Senior Citizens, Even 80-Year-Olds, Can Be Organ Donors
Organs from elderly deceased donors can work for years, says a new study that supports growing views among U.S. transplant experts.
More Prisoners Die Of Old Age Behind Bars
New data show 4,980 inmate deaths in 2014, the most since counting began in 2001.
COBRA, Retiree Plans, VA Benefits Don’t Alleviate Need To Sign Up For Medicare
Thousands of people mistakenly think that if they have insurance, they can wait to sign up for Medicare Part B. Generally, insurance other than that provided by a current employer will not exempt them from Medicare’s strict enrollment requirements.
Caring For A Loved One At Home Can Have A Steep Learning Curve
People caring for someone at home often have zero training. Many learn on the fly, and some states are passing laws to make sure caregivers get at least basic instruction in home care.
Seniors Increasingly Getting High, Study Shows
Marijuana use is increasingly popular among older Americans, a new study shows.
Alone And Aging: Creating A Safety Net for Isolated Seniors
As numbers of vulnerable seniors without relatives rise, groups call for new efforts to navigate declines in physical and mental health.
Dementia Rates Decline Sharply Among Senior Citizens
Education and better heart health may deserve credit.
