Test twice? Antigen tests reach peak sensitivity 4 days in, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
May 03, 2022
It may be best to repeat an early COVID-19 antigen test a day or two later when symptomatic individuals receive negative results, investigators say.
Reform payment to compel hiring, home-like changes: expert
By
Danielle Brown
May 03, 2022
Lawmakers must first tackle “relatively low” Medicaid reimbursement rates for nursing homes if they want to prod providers into hiring more staff, adopting more home-like models of care and improving...
What’s the ideal number of sleep hours for older adults? Study says 7
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
May 02, 2022
Helping older adults achieve 7 hours of nightly sleep may help them maintain optimal cognitive health, especially those with dementia and psychiatric disorders, researchers say.
Community burden of dementia symptoms mirrors that of nursing homes, caregiver survey finds
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Apr 29, 2022
Frequent, unsubtle symptoms have a big impact on patient quality of life, but are often unreported in primary care, investigators report.
CDC to update NHSN vaccine reporting requirements for nursing homes
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 28, 2022
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is updating the COVID-19 vaccination form for long-term care providers.
White House urges greater use of Paxlovid as supply increases
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Apr 28, 2022
Health officials are encouraging physicians to more frequently consider prescribing the oral antiviral now that it is no longer in short supply.
‘A long time coming’: LTC infection preventionists get new certification option
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Apr 27, 2022
A new opportunity to receive industry-specific IPC board certification is a much-needed chance for LTC workers to build and show their niche expertise, experts say.
CMS stresses it wants more stakeholder views on nursing homes staffing shortages
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 27, 2022
The leader of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Tuesday challenged providers to give more insight on the workforce crises they are dealing with as the agency prepares to set minimum staffing...
CDC: Turn to Paxlovid to treat COVID-19, not steroids or antibiotics
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Apr 26, 2022
The agency is urging clinicians to consider the now readily available, recommended therapies such as Paxlovid as first-line COVID-19 treatments.
Nursing homes need to act fast in ‘new era,’ expert says
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 26, 2022
The White House and federal regulators have thrust nursing homes into what could be a two-generation crisis mode, and providers must act quickly to soften the blow, a leading industry expert says.