Easy to implement infection prevention and control strategies during the holidays in LTC facilities
By
Buffy Lloyd-Krejci, DrPH, CIC
Dec 12, 2023
The Department of Health and Human Services released a report in January of this year showing that more than 1,000 long-term care facilities in the United States had COVID-19 infection rates of 75% or...
How long must U.S. seniors wait for nursing homes to clean up their act? Congress must step in
By
Devin Jopp
Sep 18, 2023
For years the government has sounded the alarm about infection control lapses in nursing homes, a deficiency underscored at the outset of the coronavirus pandemic when many residents of a Kirkland, WA...
Tips for training staff to prevent norovirus outbreaks
By
Joshua Schwartz
Aug 31, 2023
As the leading cause of gastroenteritis, norovirus — colloquially known as the stomach flu — is unpleasant for anyone. But in long-term care facilities, where vulnerable residents live in close quarters,...
Decrease costs and boost morale by fostering a culture that prioritizes infection prevention and control
By
Buffy Lloyd-Krejci, DrPH, CIC
Aug 07, 2023
Before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, infection prevention and control (IPC) in long-term care facilities was usually relegated to the sidelines. If it was focused on at all, IPC often fell squarely on...
Implementing effective visitor policies to mitigate norovirus transmission in SNFs
By
Joshua Schwartz
Jul 27, 2023
Nursing homes play a crucial role in providing care and support to vulnerable populations. However, these facilities are often susceptible to infectious diseases such as norovirus due to close living quarters...
Infection control without adding staff — it’s not just a fluke
By
Mary Cole
Jul 26, 2023
In a recent letter to leaders in Congress, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) highlighted the “astonishing lack of attention to infection prevention and control...
The punitive fist versus the hand of support
By
Buffy Lloyd-Krejci, DrPH, CIC
May 03, 2023
In the late 2010s, the long-term care industry began to take action that would reflect the growing importance of incorporating robust infection prevention practices. Facilities were required to develop...
A day in the life of an infection preventionist
By
Buffy Lloyd-Krejci, DrPH, CIC
Jan 30, 2023
When I write or speak about our long-term care industry, I often do just that – refer to “the industry.” Whether it be challenges “the industry” faces, solutions “the industry” needs, or...
Strange but true: Facts about norovirus
By
Michael Wilson
Nov 17, 2022
The winter months are right around the corner, meaning administrators in long-term and senior care facilities must start preparing for norovirus. Yes, norovirus is seasonal. It’s just one of...
Let’s talk about hand hygiene
By
Buffy Lloyd-Krejci, DrPH, CIC
Sep 27, 2022
Infection prevention begins with fundamentals, and there is nothing more fundamental than hand hygiene. However, there is a lot of confusion in the industry regarding the placement of alcohol-based hand...