Constipation is a common complaint in the PACE population, and understandably so. The incidence of constipation is higher in older populations when compared to younger populations. And it’s even more common in older women.While constipation is not considered a natural consequence of aging, the PACE population is affected by age-related Read more…
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which develops when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, is common in long-term care residents. Similar to other conditions, older adults are at a higher risk of complications from chronic GERD, making it important for long-term care providers—including LTC pharmacy services—to stay up to Read more…
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections found in adults age 65 and older, including PACE participants. Unlike in younger adults, UTIs are often overlooked or mistaken for other conditions in seniors because older adults are less likely to present with typical symptoms. Because of this, Read more…
Antibiotics are one of the most widely prescribed classes of medications in the United States. They’re also one of the most overly and inappropriately prescribed medications, particularly among the senior population. Constant or inappropriate use of antibiotics can worsen a resident’s health, potentially affecting his or her gastrointestinal, renal, and/or Read more…
When it comes to the medication needs of those in the PACE environment, there are unique challenges to consider. A new study has determined that the number of older Americans who take three or more medications that affect their brains has more than doubled in just a decade. The sharpest Read more…
influenza (flu) virus is a relatively common but potentially life-threatening respiratory illness that affects millions of people every year in the United States and around the world. The effects of the flu are particularly profound among the senior population, making it important for long-term care providers, including LTC pharmacy services, Read more…
Adults age 65 and older, including those in the PACE population, are susceptible to serious complications from the influenza, or flu, virus. In the United States, flu complications among seniors cost a staggering $56 billion annually, mainly driven by costs related to hospital admissions and death. This large clinical and Read more…
Last year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services introduced multiple new regulations that affect long-term care pharmacy. The Final Rule for long-term care facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs was published by CMS on Oct. 4, 2016. The three phases of these regulations have implementation dates of Read more…
post-acute care pharmacy providers. In fact, the American Diabetes Association reports that 11.2 million Americans age 65 and older—or approximately 26 percent of that population—have been diagnosed with diabetes. Many more have prediabetes, meaning they’re at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. These numbers are important because those with diabetes Read more…
Inhalers are used frequently in the elderly population, including PACE participants, to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma. Each inhaler works a little differently, and proper administration technique is important to ensure participants receive the appropriate amount of medication to make a difference in their disease state and improve Read more…