Dangers of Flu Season for the Elderly
While anyone can be affected by the flu, seniors are particularly vulnerable. According to the CDC, 70 to 85 percent of all flu-related fatalities involve adults over age 65. Similarly, about 70 percent of all patients hospitalized with flu symptoms are senior citizens. Multiple factors put seniors at increased risk. It’s more difficult for an…
Understanding the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Many people use the terms “Alzheimer’s disease” and “dementia” interchangeably. However, there are several key differences between these two medical conditions. For one, dementia is a broadly applied term used to describe cognitive decline; Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia and the most common cause. As older adults are more at risk for both…
COVID-19: Keeping In Touch with Loved Ones
Long-term care facilities and nursing homes across the country have implemented restrictions on all visitors to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updated their guidelines in March with specific instructions to keep residents safe. Specifically, the CDC and…
Reducing the Presence of COVID-19
Since Coronavirus (COVID-19) spread to the United States, elderly adults have been at increased risk for exposure. Although COVID-19 can affect people of any age, older adults living with a chronic medical condition are the most vulnerable. As a result, having the outbreak spread through a skilled nursing facility or nursing home can be deadly….