Gero Nurse Prep – AHCA/NCAL Gero Nurse Prep

CDC Updates Guidance for COVID and Pneumonia Vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Mandy Cohen has endorsed two new recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding the COVID and pneumonia vaccines.

NEW COVID Recommendations:

People 65 years and older, as well as those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, should receive a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose.

The updated guidance provides flexibility, allowing additional doses (e.g., three or more) for individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, in consultation with their health care provider (a strategy known as shared clinical decision-making).

The CDC states that data continue to confirm the importance of vaccination in protecting those most at risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Receiving the recommended 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine can restore and enhance protection against the virus variants currently causing the majority of infections and hospitalizations in the United States. COVID-19 vaccination also reduces the chance of developing Long COVID, a condition that can occur during or after acute infection and persist for an extended period.

NEW Pneumonia Recommendation:

Lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years.

The CDC explains that lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination allows more adults to protect themselves from pneumococcal disease at the age when the risk of infection significantly increases. Pneumococcal bacteria can cause serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Older adults are at a heightened risk for pneumococcal disease.

Visit the CDC website for more information. Additional vaccine resources and news can also be found at AHCA/NCAL’s GetVaccinated.us.

How AI Can Help Differentiate Between a UTI or Dementia

Staff, administrators, and medical professionals in senior care communities are acutely aware of the increased frequency of urinary tract infections (UTIs) among older adults and how often they are misdiagnosed as signs of dementia.

While these two diagnoses are separate, they are inextricably linked based on overlapping symptoms. One of the most significant and obvious overlapping symptoms is a sudden increase in confusion. This often presents as delirium and explains why many jump to a diagnosis of dementia before testing for a UTI. Other overlapping symptoms include increased agitation, withdrawal, and difficulty concentrating. Yet diagnosis can be further challenging because the typical physical symptoms of a UTI, such as a burning sensation during urination, may not be present in older adults.

Read the full article at https://www.providermagazine.com/Articles/Pages/How-AI-Can-Help-Differentiate-Between-a-UTI-or-Dementia.aspx

Visit the AHCA/NCAL Gero Nurse Prep booth at Delivering Solutions 24.

We are exhibiting at the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, October 6-9, 2024, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando FL. Come visit us at booth #623 and find out how Gero Nurse Prep can help you demonstrate gerontological nursing competency. Want to know more now? Visit our website at https://www.geronurseprep.com/

Balancing Technology and Humanity in Long Term Care

The integration of technology into long term care is revolutionizing the way we approach this delicate and crucial stage of life. Being an executive in the senior care space for decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact that technological advancements can have on enhancing the quality of care, communication, and comfort for patients and their families. From innovative medical devices to sophisticated data management systems, technology is not just a tool but a transformative force that is reshaping the landscape of long term care.

Read the full article at https://www.providermagazine.com/Articles/Pages/Balancing-Technology-and-Humanity-in-Long-Term-Care-.aspx

Visit the AHCA/NCAL Gero Nurse Prep booth at Delivering Solutions 24.

RSV: Why It’s Different and Why It Matters for Long Term Care

The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that impacts long term care residents each year. RSV is more common during the fall and winter months, similar to influenza (flu).

RSV Impact

Each year, it is estimated that between 60,000 and 160,000 older adults in the United States are hospitalized, and 6,000 to 10,000 die due to RSV infection. Similar to the flu and COVID-19, RSV is more dangerous for older adults due to their age, weakened immune systems, and other underlying health conditions. RSV can lead to lung infections, pneumonia, and worsening of other conditions such as asthma, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

RSV Vaccine

In May of 2023, the first vaccine for RSV was introduced in the United States. The CDC recommends was introduced in the United States. The CDC recommends the RSV vaccine if you are aged 75 or older, or if you are aged 60 to 74 and have a risk factor for severe RSV disease, including living in a long term care facility. The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, meaning if you received the RSV vaccine last year, you do not need to get it again this year.

Eligible adults can get an RSV vaccine at any time, but the best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall. This timing ensures you’re protected by the time RSV starts to spread in your community and ensures you get maximum protection during the winter months.

Symptoms of RSV

According to the CDC, people infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include a runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing. These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Unlike flu or COVID-19, antiviral treatment is not recommended for RSV. This is one of the reasons that getting vaccinated is so important in reducing the severity of an RSV infection.

Since antiviral treatment is not available, many providers do not test patients for RSV. However, molecular and antigen diagnostic tests do exist. The CDC recommends that providers consider testing for RSV when residents with acute respiratory illness test negative for both influenza and COVID-19.

Infection Control Practices

When residents have any symptoms, facilities should refer to CDC’s Infection Control Basics and apply Transmission Based Precautions.

The bottom line is that RSV poses a threat to long term care residents, and its symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19 and flu. The most important thing providers can do is encourage vaccination among residents for RSV and follow CDC guidance in preventing and managing outbreaks in the facility. The CDC viral respiratory pathogens toolkit is a great resource for handling all three common respiratory viruses.

Visit GetVaccinated.us for additional resources to help prepare for the upcoming respiratory virus season.

HHS has also launched a new campaign to educate the public on the importance of vaccination. The Risk Less, Do More campaign has resources to help providers discuss vaccines and prevention with staff and residents.

Distinguish Quality Measure Exclusions from Clinical Standards in Long Term Care

In the long term care profession, understanding the differences between Quality Measure (QM) exclusions outlined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and clinical standards of practice can be challenging.

Survey Tip: Transfer and Discharge Pt. 2

A new survey tip has been posted to the AHCA Survey Regulatory page for your review. In the Survey Tip section, on the Survey Regulatory page, you will find tips related to recently noted survey trends. In the latest survey tip, you will find information about regulations for transfer and discharge of residents. The tip sheet provides tips regarding F625- Notice of bed-hold policy and return.

For more tips related to transfer and discharge, please visit the Discharges- Making the Safest Transition for Your Residents webinar on ahcancalED. Email any questions regarding survey prep to regulatory@ahca.org.

Health Care’s Value Revolution Focusing on Quality Over Quantity

Provider financial returns have long been driven by the quantity of services provided, not the outcomes that were achieved. However, as we journey deeper into the 21st century, it’s becoming clear that this volume-driven approach is no longer sustainable, nor beneficial to patients.

https://www.providermagazine.com/Articles/Pages/Health-Care%E2%80%99s-Value-Revolution-Focusing-on-Quality-Over-Quantity.aspx

Survey Tip – Transfer and Discharge

A new survey tip has been posted to the AHCA Survey Regulatory page for your review. In the Survey Tip section on the Survey Regulatory page, you will find tips related to recently noted survey trends. In the latest survey tip, you will find information about regulations for the transfer and discharge of residents. The tip sheet provides tips regarding F623, Notice Before Transfer.

For more tips related to transfer and discharge, please visit the “Discharges – Making the Safest Transition for Your Residents” webinar on ahcancalED. Email any questions regarding survey prep to regulatory@ahca.org.