APIC urges LTC industry to boost infection control capabilities with full-time, certified staff
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 09, 2022
With the lessons of the pandemic fresh in mind, now is the time for LTC administrators to commit to recruiting and training dedicated, on-site infection preventionists, experts say. Sources of federal...
New cases of antifungal-resistant yeast infections in nursing homes alarm CDC
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 26, 2021
For the first time, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention has identified U.S. nursing home residents and hospital patients with candida auris yeast infections that resist all first-line antifungal...
Cases of life-threatening ‘broken heart syndrome’ rising among older women: AHA
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 14, 2021
Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), a dangerous condition that can weaken heart muscle, has seen a steady increase among Americans, especially older women, a new study reveals.
Initial COVID-19 vaccine booster rollout will affect 3 percent of U.S. population, officials say
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 13, 2021
The FDA is working with drugmakers Pfizer and Moderna to allow fully vaccinated immunocompromised people to receive an extra shot. Long-term care residents are not yet included in the booster campaign,...
Long-term care providers who’ve been flummoxed about recent infection control guidance coming from federal health agencies are not alone.
Criticism, confusion and hope: new Alzheimer’s drug receives messy welcome
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 15, 2021
Clinicians’ responses to the controversial approval of Aduhelm range between excitement and disapproval, with questions abounding on how to advise patients on treatment and the cost to patients and...
Fauci: U.S. to quickly prioritize the most vulnerable for COVID-19 booster shots
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 06, 2021
With this week’s COVID-19 cases up 43% and deaths rising, the United States is working to swiftly approve vaccine booster shots for people with weakened immune systems, federal health officials said...
Booster shots in LTC? Feds pledge quick approval of new drugs
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 24, 2021
Booster shots that target emergent coronavirus strains could be welcome protection for LTC residents if the drugs meet efficacy and safety standards, clinicians say.
Require COVID-19 vaccination of all healthcare workers, seven clinical groups say
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 14, 2021
Their evidence-based verdict: healthcare institutions and facilities — including long-term care facilities — should require that their personnel be vaccinated as a condition of employment.
Q&A: Clinical best practices when gauging residents’ end-of-life preferences — a POLST expert weighs...
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 29, 2021
There’s a clear need to improve the quality of Physician’s Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, or POLST, in nursing homes, says Susan E. Hickman, Ph.D. An expert on the subject, she spoke with...