IMPORTANT: Vaccine Update(s) Vaccine Admin Guidelines The CDC recently issued important vaccination guidance updates.NOTE: Our 2025-26 Vaccination Program Administration Guidelines have been revised to reflect these updates*. ➀ COVID-19 Vaccine COVID-19 vaccination is...
Printer Friendly PDF In This Issue: Open Enrollment & CMS Letters Medicare Cost Increases for 2026 2026 LIS Copay Ranges for Dual-Eligible Residents No More Donut Hole Inflation Reduction Act Drugs 2026 Changes To Insulin Costs Medicare Prescription Payment Plan...
Printer Friendly PDF Circulating Respiratory Viruses Circulating respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are more common in fall and winter, and can lead to significant illness and disease in the community care...
Printer Friendly PDF About RSV Related Respiratory Disease Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause significant lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) in older patients, especially those with comorbidities identified by the CDC as heightened risk factors- asthma,...
Printer-Friendly PDF CMS Announces Significant Updates to Nursing Home Care Compare and the 5-Star Rating System The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued QSO-25-20-NH, outlining substantial updates to the Nursing Home Care Compare website and the...
Printer Friendly PDF What is Agitation in Alzheimer’s Dementia (AAD)? AAD is common in individuals with Alzheimer’s dementia and can be a challenging behavioral symptom, characterized by restlessness, irritability, and in some cases, aggression. Effective management...
Printer Friendly PDF About Pneumococcal Infection and Disease Pneumococcal disease is a term used for a wide range of infections caused by bacteria called Streptococcuspneumoniae (pneumococcus). Ear and sinus infections are examples of mild infections these bacteria...
Printer Friendly PDF Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)Considerations for Older Adults Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) results from the reflux of gastric contents (regurgitation) into the esophagus due to dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)...
Printer-Friendly PDF Magnesium Status and Aging Magnesium, an abundant mineral in the body, is naturally present in many foods, available as a dietary supplement, and present in some medicines (such as antacids and laxatives). Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300...
Printer-Friendly PDF Fall Burden to Older Adults Among adults aged ≥65 years (older adults) in the United States, the leading cause of injury and related deaths is unintentional falls. Injuries from falls can lead to hospitalizations, nursing home admissions, and...
in effect February 24, 2025 Printer Friendly PDF Revised Long-Term Care (LTC) Surveyor Guidance On November 18th, 2024, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued memorandum QSO-25-07-NH, announcing extensive new guidance to surveyors throughout...
Printer Friendly PDF Influenza and COVID-19 Outbreak Management in Long-Term Care and Post-Acute Care Facilities Part I – Influenza (Flu) Management and Treatment Options Influenza can be introduced into a long-term care facility by newly admitted residents,...