Special Handling Needed for Seniors in Cardiac ICU

THURSDAY, Dec. 12, 2019 -- Seniors in cardiac intensive care units may suffer delirium and other problems if doctors only focus on their heart, a new American Heart Association (AHA) scientific statement says.

Older adults in the cardiac ICU require different care from younger patients, according to the statement. They're likely to be frail, have other medical conditions and use multiple medications.

Caregivers Need to Care for Themselves

FRIDAY, Nov. 22, 2019 -- If you're a caregiver for a family member, you need to look after your own mental health to provide the best care for others, an expert says.

Caregivers are at increased risk for depression and anxiety. Clinically significant symptoms of depression occur in 40%-70% of caregivers, and major depression occurs in 25%-50% of these caregivers, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance.

Caring for Family Matters Most to People Around the Globe

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 4, 2019 -- It may come as no surprise to some, but new research shows that taking care of family and keeping a mate are the most important things for folks worldwide.

Researchers surveyed more than 7,000 people in 27 countries about what motivates them. The study included people from a wide range of countries -- Australia and Bulgaria to Thailand and Uganda -- on all continents except Antarctica.

Protect Yourself From Frigid-Weather Emergencies

FRIDAY, Nov. 15, 2019 -- As temperatures plummet across the U.S., people should take steps to prevent weather-related threats to their health, one expert says.

Seniors and children are at particular risk, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) warns.

Too Many Seniors Back in Hospital for Infections Treated During First Stay

TUESDAY, Oct. 29, 2019 -- The rate of hospital readmissions for seniors with infections that were first treated during their initial hospital stay is too high, researchers report.

"We found that as many as 5% of patients leaving the hospital with an infection have a readmission for that pre-existing infection -- that's bad," said Geoffrey Hoffman, an assistant professor in the University of Michigan's School of Nursing, in Ann Arbor.

Family Can Help Keep Delirium at Bay After Surgery

TUESDAY, Oct. 22, 2019 -- Many older hospital patients suffer delirium after surgery, but a new program that involves the patient's family in recovery may help, a new study suggests.

Called the Tailored, Family-Involved Hospital Elder Life Program (t-HELP), it appears to help lessen the burden of postoperative delirium while maintaining or improving physical and thinking functions, and shortening the time patients spend in the hospital.