“New standards aim to improve surgery for the oldest patients,” by Lauran Neergaard, ABC News “The American College of Surgeons launched a program Friday to encourage hospitals around the country to adopt 30 new standards to optimize surgery on patients who are 75 and older — information seniors and their families eventually will be able to use in choosing where to get care. Seniors account for more than 40% of surgeries, which is expected to grow as the population ages. Certainly there are plenty of robust elders who can withstand major operations.”   LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President,
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“Frequent Sleeping Pill Use Linked to Increased Dementia Risk,” by Megan Brooks, Medscape “Older adults who reported taking sleep medications ‘often’ or ‘almost always’ were 43% more likely to develop dementia than those who never or rarely used sleep medications (hazard ratio [HR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 – 2.02). White participants reporting frequent use had a 79% higher dementia risk (HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.21 – 2.66). There was no association in blacks (HR = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.38 – 1.83). The association did not differ by sex. … The associations were independent of age, sex, education, socioeconomic
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“In the Lingering Light,” Today’s Caregiver  “In the Lingering Light is a valuable field guide for Alzheimer’s caregivers, written by one who has gone before you. Cynthia Fantasia packs courage and faith to help sustain you on the uncertain road ahead. You will receive practical guidance throughout the progression of Alzheimer’s, stories from traveling companions, nuggets of truth to care for yourself along the way, and prayers to guide you. In the Lingering Light will become a treasured resource and reminder that you not alone.”   LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform): Brief book review and
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“What You Don’t Know About Your Parents’ Finances Could Ruin Yours,” by Jeff Rose, Forbes “‘If you don’t take the time to talk to your parents about their finances, your own finances could take a hit,’ said Cameron Huddleston, author of the new book ‘Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk: How to Have Essential Conversations With Your Parents About Their Finances.’ Why? There’s a good chance you’ll have to get involved with your parents’ financial lives as they age, she said. That can affect your own financial well-being if you aren’t prepared for that role.”   LTC Comment (from
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