August 14, 2026
What causes Drug-Induced Photosensitivity? Certain medications can cause sensitivity to the sun, known as photosensitivity, through two primary biological processes called phototoxicity (a chemically-induced reaction that may depend on the dose) and photoallergy (an immune-mediated reaction that is not related to dose). The most effective way to address this issue is adequate sunlight protection. Patients…
July 7, 2026
Constipation is pretty common in older adults, ranging from 24 to 50 percent. Up to 20 percent of community-dwelling older adults and 74 percent of nursing home residents use laxatives on a daily basis. Age, immobility, comorbid conditions, polypharmacy, eating less and inadequate hydration are all risk factors for constipation. Chronic constipation is defined as…
June 22, 2026
From the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) From CMS: §483.45(g) Labeling of Drugs and Biologicals and §483.45(h) Storage of Drugs and Biologicals: “ensure that all drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with professional standards, including expiration dates.” It is good standard practice to date an ophthalmic (eye) medication…
May 12, 2026
About PALTmed’s Clinical Practice Guideline onFalls and Fall Prevention Falls are ever-present in the post-acute and long-term care continuum, and PALTmed’s newly revised Clinical Practice Guideline on Falls and Fall Prevention in the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Setting provides clinicians and community leaders with a practical, evidence-informed, and implementable resource tailored to the specific challenges…
April 27, 2026
Pharmacogenomic Testing in LTC Facilities What is Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing and how can it benefit LTC communities? PGx is a rapidly evolving science focused on how an individual’s genes may affect his or her response to medications. While many patients may metabolize a medication appropriately, others may metabolize it too quickly, too slowly, or not…
November 17, 2025
Antibiotic Offending Medication Recommendation Mechanism All quinolones(Ciprofloxacin,Levofloxacin,Moxifloxacin) – Iron and Calciumpreparations (Includingmultivitamins thatcontain iron and/orcalcium, dairy products) If the combination cannot be avoided, administration of Quinolones should occur at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after Iron/Calcium. Note: Moxifloxacin does not interact with Calcium like the other Quinolones and no adjustments are recommended. The…
November 4, 2025
IMPORTANT: Vaccine Update(s) 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 recommended for everyone 6 months and older following shared medical decision-making between the individual and their healthcare provider(s). Vaccination is especially important for people at…
April 8, 2025
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) and/or impaired esophageal clearance. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common upper gastrointestinal disorder seen in the elderly, and affects around 20% of…
December 5, 2024
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, healthcare personnel, and visitors. Spread of influenza can occur between and among residents, healthcare personnel and visitors. Residents of long-term care…
October 18, 2024
Vaccines to Prevent Pneumococcal Infection and Disease Pneumococcal disease is common in young children, but older adults are at the greatest risk of seriousillness and death. Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common clinical manifestation of pneumococcal disease in adults. It leads to 150,000 US hospitalizations annually and is estimated to account for 10 to 30%…
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