The latest nursing home-related updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) give long-term care providers more educational resources to combat respiratory illnesses and infections.

CDC said the handout found at https://tinyurl.com/5cnhsmd5 may be used to educate residents, visitors, and staff on ways the facility promotes resident health during respiratory virus season.

A second set of materials is a Sepsis Prevention Assessment Tool (SPAT) for Nursing Homes, which identifies gaps in sepsis policies, training, and practices in nursing homes that can then be to improve infection prevention, sepsis recognition, and health outcomes.

“Compared to adults of similar age in the community, nursing home residents are more likely to get infections that may lead to sepsis if not recognized early and promptly managed,” the toolkit said.

CDC noted that residents who survived a recent hospitalization for sepsis are at risk for hospital re-admission and disability, including cognitive impairment.

“Everyone in healthcare plays an important role in preventing sepsis. Practices that can help prevent sepsis include working to prevent infections, identifying and treating infections early before they worsen, and recognizing the signs and symptoms of sepsis to ensure residents receive the appropriate level of care,” the toolkit said.

The SPAT materials are at Sepsis Prevention Assessment Tool for Nursing Homes | Sepsis | CDC.

Questions or comments? Contact Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.