2012 - 2013 Flu Season

As we enter into the 2012-2013 flu season I just wanted to put out a reminder to get your flu shots.  Most Walgreens, CVS, and Wal-Mart stores have flu shots available without an appointment.  Some pharmacies will even come to your facility to provide them to your staff and residents.  The cost is minimal.  Usually between $20-$30.  Look for local clinics for the best deals.   

 

Please use the following resource from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to educate yourself, your staff, and your visitors.

What You Should Know for the 2012-2013 Influenza Season 

 

Have you or your staff gotten a flu vaccination?  Let us know.  Leave a comment on our Facebook page.

Loss of Balance, Not Slips/Trips, is Leading Cause of Falls in Elderly

A recent study which utilized video footage of elderly individual's accidental falls has concluded that loss of balance is the leading cause of falls in the elderly.  Tripping came in at number 2.  The reason for the loss of balance is the remaining question.  The study suggests that it could be as simple getting folks to use a walker or cane.  This sounds like common sense to me, but how do you convince someone that they must use a device for balance?  Maybe you have an idea.  Read the article here then leave a comment on our Facebook page.

Here's the NPR article.
Here's a link to the original article.

New Alzheimer's Drug

This was all over the news last night and this morning.  A recent study aimed to target the removal of Beta Amyloid, which is the protein in the brain believed to be the cause of Alzheimer's disease, has shown some encouraging results.  So far, it appears that the drug solanezumab can slow the progression of Alzheimer's in mid-stage patients.  In an earlier trial the drug had no effect on late stage patients but in the second trial it slowed the progression by 20%.  Please read these related articles.

Wall Street Journal - New Data Released on Lilly Alzheimer's Drug

USA Today - Alzheimer's drug shows positive results in mild cases

Chicago Tribune - Alzheimer's drug shows promise

Total Care Addendum

I have been getting a lot of questions on the Total Care Addendum, which is to be added to your Hospice Waiver.  The Total Care Addendum replace the requirement to request an exception for a "prohibited health condition".  The new addendum should be completed and sent into your local LPA.  You can ask for up to the same amount of residents as you have your Hospice Waiver approved for. 

The following is where you can find the updated information in the Evaluator's Manuel.

http://www.ccld.ca.gov/res/pdf/10rcfe04.pdf

National Senior Citizens Day, 8/21/2012

On August 19, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5847 to declare August 21 as National Senior Citizens Day.  He stated in his address,

"For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older."

We support this statement.  Please go out and celebrate our elderly people everyday.  Do anything, no matter how large or how small to support a cause for senior citizens.  Most of all, encourage children to do the same.