New COVID-19 test kits promised as LTC operators contend with shortages, slow PCR results
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 03, 2022
Five million Celltion brand rapid tests will be shipped over a five-week period to facilities as they contend with testing supply shortages and slow lab turnaround times.
Palliative care study highlights importance of psychosocial support for LTC workers
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 30, 2023
Even the most confident of long-term care staff, sure of their knowledge and skills, reported “notable difficulties” providing palliative and end-of-life care during the COVID-19 pandemic, finds a...
A holiday breakroom dilemma: Healthcare workers weigh in on limits to free treats
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 22, 2022
How many free treats is it socially acceptable to nab in the breakroom? Given the chance to voice their opinions on this topic, healthcare workers had a lot to say.
California nursing home visitors must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 12, 2021
The state is requiring that all indoor visitors to skilled nursing facilities and other healthcare settings prove full vaccination or negative SARS-CoV-2 test results. Facility operators must have a plan...
Physicians propose new way to manage a COVID outbreak in long-term care settings
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 15, 2021
A 200-bed nursing home in Chicago was the recipient of an enhanced clinical management approach that contributed to relatively low mortality rates during an outbreak among high-risk residents, the doctors...
CDC: C. auris spreading at ‘alarming’ rate in U.S. healthcare facilities
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 22, 2023
Drug-resistant Candida auris, a known threat to nursing homes, has spread rapidly, and a growing number of cases are resistant to first-line treatment, federal researchers report.
‘Another layer of protection’: Senior care industry commends feds’ booster vaccine decision
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 27, 2021
Industry advocates are welcoming the decision to include residents of long-term care settings and healthcare workers in a new federal recommendation to offer COVID-19 booster shots to at-risk adults.
Coronavirus rates drop 96% in nursing homes, but some see first-ever cases in new year
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 31, 2021
More than 430 nursing homes saw their first-ever COVID cases in early 2021, evidence that continued infection control measures are needed, and despite phenomenal declines in facility rates, says the U.S....
COVID vaccine protection drops by 80 percent in 6 months among nursing home residents: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 03, 2021
Vaccinated staff members had a similar six-month decrease in immunity levels, investigators say. The data may support recommendations for vaccine booster shots, they contend.
Vision impairment, blindness affect 66 percent of nursing home residents in study
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 29, 2022
Vision impairment and blindness were linked to morbidity in a study across 74 facilities. But corrective lenses may play a big role in improving resident outcomes, researchers say.