C. difficile prevalence fell during pandemic, but treatment costs higher, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 31, 2022
Unprecedented pandemic infection control measures may have helped reduce Clostridioides difficile infections in the United States, researchers report.
Flu vaccine makers readying for busy season, with infections expected to rise
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 30, 2022
With flu surging in Southern hemisphere countries and more people mingling, the past two years’ reprieve from the flu is likely over, vaccine makers say.
One sick worker linked to 17 infections and $12K in treatment costs, LTC study finds
By
John Hall
Aug 26, 2022
A new study reveals how a single sick caregiver can easily infect residents and co-workers in a long-term care setting and drive up treatment costs by thousands of dollars.
Hurricane evacuation plaintiffs settle for $12M — and chance to sue nursing home operator again
By
John Hall
Aug 26, 2022
Aggrieved residents and families involved in botched evacuations around Hurricane Ida last year have reached a tentative settlement of $12 million to $15 million with embattled nursing home owner Bob Dean...
CDC: Seniors’ comparative rate of hospitalization spiked during omicron wave
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 26, 2022
Rates of hospitalization among seniors rose higher in comparison to younger adults during the BA.2 wave, with vaccinations providing less protection, new data show.
Seasonal flu vax guidance released, with drug preferences for seniors
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 26, 2022
The CDC’s new guidance for the 2022-2023 flu season includes preferential advice on which drugs to prescribe for older adults.
Residents asking about medical cannabis? A senior living community brought in the experts
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 24, 2022
Inspīr Carnegie Hill brought in a cannabis doctor and dispensary pharmacist to field questions from residents and their families after New York state legalized recreational adult use of marijuana this...
Illinois SNF operator vindicated as whistleblower suit falls short
By
John Hall
Aug 23, 2022
Heritage Operations Group has been vindicated in a whistleblower claim filed by a former Omnicare pharmacist who alleged the Illinois-based nursing home operator violated the False Claims Act by improperly...
New program will test clinician awareness of drugs known to increase falls in dementia
Aug 23, 2022
The Stop-Falls-D program uses prompts to help reduce the use of drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medications and pain relievers, in patients with dementia.
Pfizer asks FDA to approve omicron-specific booster shot
Aug 22, 2022
The drug company says that its new mRNA vaccine produces an immune response against the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants.