What We’re Reading: Affordable Home Care; Mycoplasma Infections Rise; Opioid Crisis Settlement

Finding Affordable, Reliable Home Health Aides for Dementia Care

Millions of American families face challenges in securing trustworthy home health aides, according to Kaiser Health News. As a shortage of workers exacerbates the issue, families must navigate a maze of agencies, often resorting to untrained caregivers found through word of mouth. With the high cost of care and limited government assistance available, families face financial strain and are in desperate need of support when navigating the complex landscape of home care services.

Resurgence of Childhood Pneumonia Cases Globally

Several countries, including China, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, and specific regions in the United States, have witnessed a surge in pediatric pneumonia cases associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, prompting concerns globally, according to CNN. While this bacterium causes periodic outbreaks, experts suggest that the ongoing increase might be more pronounced this year, with Europe and Asia experiencing a 4-fold rise in reported cases. The rise is attributed to factors such as antibiotic resistance.

Supreme Court to Weigh $6 Billion Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Settlement in Opioid Crisis

The US Supreme Court is poised to deliberate on the legality of Purdue Pharma's approximately $6 billion bankruptcy settlement, a move that could impact the resources available to those affected by the opioid crisis, according to Reuters. If approved, the settlement would transform Purdue into a nonprofit entity, allocate funds to address opioid addiction harms, and shield the wealthy Sackler family, Purdue's owners, from lawsuits related to the opioid epidemic.