Latest Morning Briefing Stories

How Well Does Your Nursing Home Fight Infections? Look It Up Here

KFF Health News Original

More nursing homes have been faulted for failing to follow practices designed to prevent and control infections than for any other type of error. Such lapses have become matters of heightened concern with the spread of the coronavirus this spring, especially as the virus is a bigger threat to the elderly.

Congress Approves Boost In Food Aid For Seniors But Funding Falls Short Of Growing Need

KFF Health News Original

Congress passed legislation Wednesday reauthorizing the Older Americans Act, which provides for home-delivered and group meals. Although proposed funding increases are substantial, they still don’t keep up with the nation’s growing senior population.

Dental Shock: Six Pulled Teeth And One Unexpected Bill

KFF Health News Original

One woman’s experience with the high cost of dental care and confusing Medicare coverage offers a teachable moment for other consumers. Her small church took up a collection, but the surprise bill — four times what she expected to pay — was sent to collections.

As Coronavirus Cases Grow, So Does Scrutiny Of Nursing Home Infection Plans

KFF Health News Original

Seema Verma, administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, calls on state and federal health inspectors to focus on how facilities keep infections from spreading, especially in areas that have reported coronavirus cases.

Coronavirus Stress Test: Many 5-Star Nursing Homes Have Infection-Control Lapses

KFF Health News Original

Since the beginning of 2017, inspectors have cited more nursing homes for failing to ensure that all workers follow federal prevention and control protocols than for any other type of violation, according to federal records.

Corralling Hard-To-Reach Voters With Traveling Voting Machines

KFF Health News Original

In advance of the Super Tuesday primary, California’s Los Angeles County is rotating new touch-screen voting machines among 41 locations, including adult day care centers and jails, to increase voting among populations with historically low turnout.

Nursing Home Outbreak Spotlights Coronavirus Risk In Elder Care Facilities

KFF Health News Original

The spread of coronavirus disease to a skilled nursing facility in Washington state underscores the risk the deadly new virus poses in elder care facilities, where illnesses caused by more common pathogens, like seasonal influenza, often spread rapidly.

U.S. Medical Panel Thinks Twice About Pushing Cognitive Screening For Dementia

KFF Health News Original

Because seniors are at higher risk of cognitive impairment, proponents say screening asymptomatic older adults is an important strategy to identify people who may be developing dementia and to improve their care. But the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force cited insufficient evidence the tests are helpful.

Getting To The Heart Of Presidential Fitness: How Much Do We Need To Know?

KFF Health News Original

A recent cardiac health dust-up between former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg and Sen. Bernie Sanders, both vying for the Democratic presidential nomination, focuses attention on this question.

Stalked By The Fear That Dementia Is Stalking You

KFF Health News Original

For those worried they have an elevated risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, testing is an option. But words to the wise: It’s hardly foolproof and could even backfire by heightening your fear of memory loss.