Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is now largely available for purchase. SNFs are expected to be using PPE at conventional capacity. AHCA/NCAL has developed a “PPE Action Brief” for facilities to print out, review, and take action today to ensure compliance.
If all goes well, over the next few weeks there will be an increasing number of family members visiting their loved ones in the nursing home, many for the first time in a year. Along with the joy and relief of these reunions, we can expect to observe a great deal of sadness over time lost with elders. Here are some tips on how to prepare.
CDC conducted experiments to assess two ways of improving the fit of medical procedure masks: fitting a cloth mask over a medical procedure mask, and knotting the ear loops of a medical procedure mask and then tucking in and flattening the extra material close to the face. Each modification substantially improved source control and reduced wearer exposure.
Read more at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7007e1.htm?s_cid=mm7007e1_e
As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to roll out to assisted living and independent living communities — having not reached some of those communities yet — two new surveys shed some light on feelings about vaccination among older adults, messages that motivate them to get vaccinated, and the people and places to which they expect to turn when making a decision.
Although this research was not restricted to senior living residents, findings still may prove helpful to those working in the industry, and those they serve.
Find out more at https://bit.ly/3oLQAaS
In its first ever digital issue, Provider reports on how COVID-19 has changed the supply and demand of telehealth services in long term and post-acute care. Read more here. [mmsend85.com]
AHCA/NCAL’s #GetVaccinated campaign encourages long term care staff and residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Providers and state affiliates may use the materials below to help communicate about the importance of vaccination as well as highlight progress. This digital toolkit includes a checklist of ideas, template letters to use with stakeholders, sample social media, and media prep material.
Find out more at https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx
CMS has released FAQs related to new guidance on testing in nursing facilities. The FAQs address long-standing questions posed from providers. The questions address various issues including false negatives with point of care antigen tests, triggering of outbreak status, testing of emergency medical personnel and clarification on turnaround time for tests. The FAQs can be found here
In a new video for frontline long term care workers, AHCA/NCAL’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Gifford is joined by Dr. Shari Ling, Deputy Medical Director at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The two chat about ways staff members can help keep their residents, colleagues, family members and themselves safe during the holiday season by discussing some myths we’ve heard and offering the facts.
