ER Visits Linked To Falls Spike Among California Seniors
State data show a rise of nearly 40 percent in fall-related visits from 2010 to 2015, a period in which the elderly population grew about 21 percent.
Dozens Of New Cancer Drugs Do Little To Improve Survival, Frustrating Patients
The FDA has approved dozens of new cancer medications in recent years, but few offer the benefits that patients seek.
New Federal Rules Will Require Home Health Agencies To Do Much More For Patients
The first overhaul of federal regulations in almost 30 years for home health care agencies will require them to be much more responsive to what aging patients and their caregivers need or want.
Trying To Solve The Alzheimer’s Puzzle
Alzheimer’s researchers hold onto hope after another promising trial ends in disappointment.
Aid-in-Dying Laws Don’t Guarantee That Patients Can Choose To Die
In California, Colorado and four other states, many hospitals, health systems and doctors just say no.
How To Make A Home Much More Friendly To Seniors Using Wheelchairs Or Walkers
Experts say key steps can make a home much more accessible to seniors who can have trouble getting around in wheelchairs or walkers.
Cheaper Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids Could Be On The Way
The FDA and other agencies are loosening restrictions on hearing aid sales and opening the door to less expensive, over-the-counter products.
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.
Medicare Failed To Recover Up To $125 Million In Overpayments, Records Show
Medicare overpaid five insurance plans by $128 million yet only recovered $3 million, audits show.
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.
New Medicare Rules Should Help ‘High Need’ Patients Get Better Treatment
Medicare is launching new regulations in January that will provide higher reimbursements for doctors involved in care coordination for seriously ill people.
Latest Hospital Injury Penalties Include Crackdown On Antibiotic-Resistant Germs
Medicare reduced payments to 769 hospitals in the program, punishing facilities that have high rates of patient injuries, including infections, blood clots, falls and bed sores. This year, federal officials also added the prevalence of two dangerous bacteria.
Hospitals And Surgery Centers Play Tug-Of-War Over America’s Ailing Knees
As Medicare considers paying for knee replacement procedures outside the hospital, doctors debate patient choice and the potential for post-operation complications.
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.
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.
You’re Not Just ‘Growing Old’ If This Happens To You
Some health problems that senior citizens blame on “growing old” are actually signs of a more serious issue that can be treated.
Slowing Down Hospital Discharge Requires Fast Action
Seniors who feel they’re being rushed out of the hospital can file an appeal to halt the process but they need to act fast.
Clinics Help Keep People With Serious Mental Illness Out Of ER
Providing regular care at a Texas clinic prevents patients from cycling back to the hospital in a psychiatric crisis.
