
Mailbag! [Warning] New Threat Found in Nursing Homes
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
You’ve got questions…
We’ve got answers!
Nursing homes can be dangerous places. Oftentimes they are understaffed and overpopulated, which can lead to all sorts of health issues.
But it looks like there’s more to worry about…
You see, scientists have discovered something that’s truly terrifying — a quarter of all nursing home patients already have dangerous bacteria in their bodies.
And these bacteria are just waiting to turn into deadly infections.
Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to keep your loved ones safe from one of these nasty bugs.
Let’s dive in…
Natalie,
I’m responsible for my elderly aunt’s care. She is currently in a nursing home. Many friends have warned me that she might get an infection caused by drug-resistant bacteria. I’ve heard this before about hospitals but wasn’t sure if this is also true in nursing homes. If so, is there anything I can do to help prevent her from getting one?
Thanks,
Jolene D.
Excellent question, Jolene. Many folks with relatives in long-term care facilities have the same worries.
Just like hospitals, nursing homes are breeding grounds for all types of bacteria.
Many of these bacteria are extremely threatening to your health because they’re antibiotic resistant and incredibly hard to treat.
But that’s not the worst of it…
You see, a new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that over a quarter of nursing home residents have colonies of multidrug-resistant bacteria in their bodies.
What’s worse, these colonies can easily grow into a full-blown infection.
And since nursing home patients are more susceptible to infection because of their age and health status, these infections can sometimes result in death.
Exposure to these types of germs is nearly impossible to avoid in a nursing home setting, but there are a few ways to help protect your aunt.
First, ask her nursing home staff if they have an infection control plan that’s been updated recently. If not, try to move her to a facility that does. Infection control is essential to preventing the spread of drug-resistant bacteria, and infection control plans should always be up-to-date.
Second, talk to her doctor about antibiotic resistance. Explain your concerns, and always be sure to inquire about any prescribed antibiotics, as they are often overprescribed.
Lastly, ask her doctor about adding a probiotic to her treatment plan. Probiotics can help strengthen gut bacteria, which can reduce the risks of complications that come with antibiotic use.
Do you have health questions you want answered? Drop me a line: feedback@livingwelldaily.com.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Sources
[1] A quarter of nursing home residents are colonized with drug-resistant bacteria

Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
Is Your Diet ACTUALLY Healthy? Here’s How to Tell
I’ve probably uttered the phrase “healthy diet” when talking to patients, family, and friends more times than I’ve had cups of coffee—and that’s saying something! But I’ll admit it’s not always entirely clear what a healthy diet looks like. What does healthy eating really mean? Let’s take a look… Good news—healthy eating doesn’t mean you...
7 Natural Ways to Tackle Pain Without Pills
On Tuesday, we explored a promising new frontier in pain relief: terpenes, natural compounds found in cannabis (and other plants) that may ease pain without the risks of opioids. That research is still developing. But what if you’re looking for help right now? Good news: You don’t have to wait for a pharmaceutical breakthrough to...
Mailbag: Pinched to Pain Free with Natural Sciatica Solutions
“I have been suffering from sciatic pain in my hip and groin. I try to do exercises to stretch it. But ever since I slipped on the ice and fell on my left hip it seems to be getting worse. Is there any help for this?” -Painfully Pinched Dear Pinched, I understand how frustrating sciatic...
New Cannabis Discovery Could Ease Pain—Without the High
A few years ago, everywhere you turned, someone was talking about CBD. The cannabis extract had exploded in popularity for everything from anxiety to inflammation to joint pain. And while the CBD conversation continues, another cannabis compound is quietly making headlines. One that could—believe it or not—provide relief from all kinds of pain. Without the...
"Sinful Trio" SLASHES Metabolic Syndrome Risk
Are you tired of hearing your doctor’s endless “don’t eat this, don’t drink that” lectures? Well, this Easter Sunday, I’ve got news that might just have you hopping happily to your pantry. Turns out, some of life’s tastiest pleasures could help protect you from one of today’s most common health threats—metabolic syndrome. Let’s dig into...
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....