antibiotic resistance

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

Natalie Moore

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

Unexpected Bone Broth Benefits

I was in a small grocery store in the mountains recently, and noticed that they had bone broth for sale. I thought, “Wow, we’ve come a long way!” And that’s a good thing. Here’s why… Bone broth used to be nearly impossible to find in modern-day grocery stores. But to eke out as much nutritional...

Read This

Garden Hack Boosts Cognitive Function

You can’t turn on the T.V. or flip through a newspaper anymore without seeing a new drug breakthrough they claim will FINALLY rid humanity of our aging brain issues. These medicines hit the market promising miracles. But it typically isn’t long before we start seeing their dark side. Meanwhile, a safe, natural remedy to boost...

Read This

Mailbag: STAY Healthy in a Senior Home

“We’ve unfortunately had to put my 90-year-old mother in a home. I’m so worried she’s going to get sick (especially with COVID still around). Is there anything I can do to help protect her?” Sam from Prattville, AL Hi Sam, Your situation sounds familiar. My father is in a senior living center with about 300...

Read This

Better Memory with this "Nose" Trick (226% BOOST!?)

You have five primary senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. (The sixth one doesn’t count. Only your Aunt Mable claims that one.) But you’ve likely noticed that only your sight and hearing get tested when you visit the doctor. Your senses of taste, touch, and smell are almost entirely ignored. And ignoring one of...

Read This

This Drink Could DESTROY Your Liver [ALERT]

People often ask me what’s the WORST thing for their health. Cigarettes, alcohol, and illegal drugs often pop to mind. But everyone KNOWS those things are bad. But there’s in fact, a popular “harmless” daily habit that has HUGE health consequences. And it can be every bit as bad as a cigarette or booze habit....

Read This

Down a Daily Mug of Alzheimer's Prevention

I have a foolproof plan for maintaining clear thinking and a steel-trap memory as you age. Ready to hear it? Stop plaques and tangles from building up in your brain. Unfortunately, it’s the perfect example of “Easy to say, but not so easy to do.” Or, it was until NOW. Because scientists have discovered a...

Read This

"MIRACLE Molecule" RESISTS Aging?

The science of aging is growing at breakneck speed. It seems like hardly a week passes when we don’t learn something new. And now, one study in particular could upend everything we THINK we know about aging. Most importantly, it could unlock a way to “SLOW” it down…. And, incredibly, it may even help extend...

Read This

“10% of Your Brain” Myth: Here’s the TRUTH

It’s funny how an idea will ebb and flow. “You only use 10 percent of your brain.” It’s an idea I haven’t heard in a long time. But it’s getting a lot of play again lately. It has some serious staying power. But is it true? It might surprise you to learn this odd claim...

Read This

“BRIGHT” Breakthrough ENDS Psoriasis Suffering?

Folks with psoriasis never get a break. It’s not just the dry air in the winter that can cause painful flare-ups. The hot air in the summer can trigger them too. Then, despite the heat, you’re forced to wear more clothes to hide the embarrassing rash. But you may not have to suffer any longer....

Read This

Mailbag: BEAT Back to School Bugs

“I watch my grandson for a bit once he gets home from school. Can I do anything to prevent myself from getting the school kids germs?” Darlene from Fairhope, Alabama Hi Darlene, Kids pick up lots of different bugs at school. They’re like little petri dishes. So, it can be difficult to avoid getting sick. But...

Read This