COVID-19 roundup: Ventilator use questioned, staff immunity testing, meds shortages and more…
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 08, 2020
Ventilation may be harmful for certain COVID-19 patients, say some critical care doctors. Plus: immunity testing may help staff return to work.
Juniper CEO: Restoring ‘new normal’ in senior living is about COVID lessons learned
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Aug 03, 2020
Juniper Communities created an early COVID-19 battle plan using cohorting and universal testing. Today the majority of its communities are testing 100% negative for the virus, says founder and CEO Lynne...
Quit treating pandemic’s toll on nursing homes like a ‘bad apples’ problem, expert...
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 14, 2020
It’s time for the federal government to “own” the problem of containing COVID-19 by paying for and arranging testing across nursing facilities, long-term care policy expert David Grabowski...
LTC pharmacies seek key role in COVID vaccine distribution
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 27, 2020
Long-term care pharmacies now have a voice in federal decisions about COVID vaccine delivery to nursing homes and assisted living communities, says the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists.
Omicron remains lethal in the older and unvaccinated, former CDC chief warns
Mar 23, 2022
The next wave of COVID-19 is on its way and unvaccinated elders are at risk of being hit hard, according to former CDC director Tom Frieden, M.D. “If we learn quickly and act quickly, we can outmaneuver...
CMS opens visitation to nursing homes after year of isolation
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 11, 2021
“Facilities should allow responsible indoor visitation at all times” — no matter the vaccination status of resident or visitor, the agency now says. Its action follows the remarkable, apparent...
Here, Fido! Two states distribute robotic pets to curb seniors’ social isolation during pandemic
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
May 04, 2020
Florida and New York are using companion pets to help older adults, including those with dementia, combat the effects of social isolation during COVID-19 lockdowns.
HHS halts Eli Lilly’s single-drug COVID antibody treatment in U.S.; dual-drug alternative remains in...
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 26, 2021
U.S. distribution of an infusion treatment using bamlanivimab only has been halted due to virus variant concerns, but an alternative antibody cocktail from the drugmaker can still be ordered, according...
Use the ‘5 C’s’ to tackle COVID vaccine hesitancy, physicians say
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 04, 2021
The reasons for vaccine hesitancy — a delay in acceptance or refusal to be vaccinated — can be boiled down to five important factors that may help clinicians understand and better approach this issue,...
Network to develop LTC COVID-19 treatment, infection prevention best practices
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Mar 21, 2023
A network of long-term care medical directors and clinicians will develop best practices guidelines for senior living communities, nursing homes and other congregate care settings in Virginia.