Early vaccination sped up decline in COVID infections, study in Genesis facilities finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 20, 2021
Nursing homes that administered shots early in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout experienced a lower rate of new infections compared to later-vaccinating sites. The results underscore the efficacy of the drugs...
Tracing cases: How one bar gathering led to a nursing home resident’s COVID hospitalization
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 07, 2021
A new report on contact tracing in rural Illinois illustrates how a single community gathering can lead directly to infections in a skilled nursing facility, and the challenges associated with reopening...
April 20: Electrostatic spraying — an infection control technology for the future
By
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 06, 2021
A special McKnight’s webinar at 1 p.m. ET on April 20 will explore electrostatic spraying and how it can help streamline surface disinfection practices.
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...
Lawmakers want Obama-era infection control regulations for nursing homes restored
By
Danielle Brown
Mar 10, 2021
Stricter infection control and emergency preparedness regulations could be on the horizon for skilled nursing and other long-term care providers if the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services grants a...
Clinical briefs for Monday, Feb. 22
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 22, 2021
Pfizer vaccine’s deep-freeze storage and second shot may be unnecessary … For-profit nursing homes are ‘worst performers’ in COVID infection control analysis … Researchers pinpoint too-low diastolic...
Are we there yet? Vaccination success won’t ease need for LTC vigilance, observers say
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 18, 2021
The need for stepped-up infection control measures likely will remain a necessity for the foreseeable future, say industry observers and stakeholders.
Model shows how U.S. might halve COVID nursing home deaths
By
Danielle Brown
Feb 18, 2021
The United States’ method of financing long-term care services, as well as infection control practices and facilities’ average size have been key factors why U.S. nursing homes have experienced more...
Vaccinations tied to drop in nursing home infections; states want greater role in pharmacy allocations
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 17, 2021
Nursing homes experienced a 48% decline in new resident cases three weeks after their first onsite vaccine clinic. That’s compared with a 21% decline among unvaccinated nursing homes located in the...
Factor in chills, lesser-known symptoms to better detect COVID-19, study shows
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 16, 2021
Factoring four overlooked COVID-19 symptoms into testing efforts significantly improves detection, investigators say.