News for families planning care

More Medications, More Risks. If You’re Worried, Start a Deprescribing Discussion. (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

As people take a greater number of medications across years or decades, experts say the risk for adverse drug interactions increases. One way to advocate for yourself? Keep a list of your meds handy.

Drugs Are Widely Used To Sedate Dementia Patients. Her Sons Wanted To Keep Her Off Them. (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

Potent sedating medications are often used on agitated people with dementia in long-term care facilities despite federal efforts to discourage their use. A clash over whether to drug a Michigan woman illuminates the wrenching decisions families and guardians face.

These 100 Nursing Homes Face Perilous Flood Risk. Minnesota Shows What Can Happen. (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

Staff raced against rising floodwater to evacuate 36 residents from a nursing home in New Richland, Minnesota. It’s one of 100 facilities KFF Health News identified as facing some of the nation’s worst flood risk.

3 Common Drugs Older Adults Might Be Overusing (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

Not all older people need benzodiazepines, antibiotics, or daily aspirin — and taking them can carry increased risks.

Why Older Pedestrians Fare Worse in Car Crashes (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

People age 65 and up are more likely than other age groups to die after being hit by a vehicle.

Hospice’s Bad Reputation Amid Fraud Crisis Will Hurt Patients, Industry Experts Warn (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

While acknowledging that changes must be made to the hospice industry, health policy researchers and providers worry that negative attention and the potential for overly punitive regulations could put patients at risk.

Violence Repeatedly Erupts at Dementia Care Facilities Despite Warnings, Inspections Show (opens KFF Health News · Aging in a new tab)

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be fertile ground for violence between residents with dementia, including fatal assaults. A KFF Health News examination of health reports and court records shows how warning signs are missed and safeguards fall short.

Florida Launches Operation Senior Shield to Protect Older Adults from Scams and Exploitation (opens Florida Dept. of Elder Affairs in a new tab)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 18, 2025 CONTACT: Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Office of Communications Florida Launches Operation Senior Shield to Protect Older Adults from Scams and Exploitation TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins and Florida Department of Elder Affai…

Falls Prevention Awareness Week Proclamation (opens Florida Dept. of Elder Affairs in a new tab)