Abuse & Neglect

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Elder abuse, neglect or exploitation is a significant social problem. The number of older adults (65 years of age or older) in the US population is expected to double by 2030 to about 72 million (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010). Of this group the “oldest old,” those 85 or older, are the fastest growing segment. By 2030, their number will grow from 5.8 million to 8.7 million. As the number of older adults increases, especially those who are older and frailer, the incidence of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation is expected to increase. Mistreatment of older adults often occurs in isolation and often remains undetected. The first step to addressing the problem is to heighten awareness of abuse of the old, among those who serve them or have frequent contact with them.

Tuberculosis

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Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.

HIPAA

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The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued the HIPAA Privacy Rule to implement the requirements of HIPAA. The HIPAA Security Rule protects a subset of information covered by the Privacy Rule.

Dementia & Depression

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Dementia, Delirium and Depression might present similar manifestations and it is therefore important to learn how to differentiate between three conditions. Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging.

Infection Control

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Every year, lives are lost because of the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Health care workers can take steps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. These steps are part of infection control. Proper hand washing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. If you are a patient, don't be afraid to remind friends, family, and health care providers to wash their hands before getting close to you. Other steps health care workers can take include covering coughs and sneezes, staying up to date with vaccinations, using gloves, masks, and protective clothing, making tissues and hand cleaners available, and following health facility’s guidelines when dealing with blood or contaminated items.