Enjoy Some Festive Holiday Trivia

How well do you and your residents know holiday trivia and folkore? Take our quiz and find out! The answers are at the bottom of the post if you get stumped. You can also click here to download a printable PDF of the trivia!

1. Which movie stars Chevy Chase as a father desperately trying to create a fun, old-fashioned family Christmas (with frequently hilarious results)?
2. Fill in the blank: “You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and ____ and Blitzen.”
3. What was the name of the angel tasked with showing George Bailey what the world would be like without him in the movie It’s a Wonderful Life? 
4. What holiday drink is made using sugar, whipped eggs and milk or cream? 
5. What was the name of Tiny Tim’s father in A Christmas Carol? 
6. What is the actual name of the Clement Clarke Moore poem popularly known as “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”? 
7. In the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” what gift is given on the tenth day? 
8. This state was the first to make Christmas an official holiday. 
9. During the holiday season, it is customary to share a kiss under a sprig of this plant. 
10. Santa Claus is modeled after the real-life St. Nicholas, a bishop who lived in which modern-day country? 
11. One of the best-known songs from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker suite is “The Dance of the _____ Fairy.” 
12. In A Charlie Brown Christmas, what does Lucy suggest Charlie Brown do to cure his holiday blues? 
13. This polarizing holiday dessert was originally made using raisins, pomegranate seeds, pine nuts and barley mash. Because of its longevity, it was frequently carried by hunters on long journeys. 
14. This plant accounts for 88 percent of all flowering plant purchases at Christmastime. 
15. This mythical figure is also known as Sinterklaas, Pere Noel, de Kerstman, Father Christmas and Babbo Natale, among other names.

Answers 
1. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation; 2. Donner; 3. Clarence Odbody; 4. Eggnog; 5. Bob Cratchit; 6. “A Visit from Saint Nicholas”; 7. 10 lords a leaping; 8. Alabama; 9. Mistletoe; 10. Turkey; 11. Sugar Plum; 12. Direct the annual Christmas play; 13. Fruitcake; 14. The poinsettia; 15. Santa Claus

Need Help Finding a Flu Vaccine?

If you haven't yet received your flu vaccine, the CDC has a tool to help. Simply enter your ZIP code in the Flu Vaccine Finder above to be shown locations near your home offering the vaccine. Even though this year's flu vaccine has been shown to not completely align with current flu strains (because of so-called "drift variants"), the CDC still recommends that everyone six months and older get vaccinated because vaccines have been shown to offer some protection against drift variants in the past. The vaccine could also provide protection against other flu strains that might become more common as the season progresses. To learn more, visit flu.gov.

Study: People with Severe Dementia Less Depressed in Nursing Homes

European researchers have found that people with severe dementia are less depressed living in a nursing home than a community-based setting.

The researchers, based out of the University of Manchester, studied about 400 people with late-stage dementia in eight European countries. They found that 23 percent of the people living in facilities showed signs of depression, compared to 37 percent of the subjects living in the community. This pattern was consistent across all eight countries.

The researchers reasoned that the rate of depression might be lower in nursing homes because the residents have more opportunities to socialize and take part in activities than they do in the community. They noted, however, that the results are somewhat subjective based on caregivers' impressions.

To learn more, click here.

Get Around with ProMed

ProMed has everything your residents need to maintain an active, independent lifestyle. Whether they need a little help balancing or are completely wheelchair-dependent, our mobility products will get them where they need to go in style.

What products best fit your residents' needs?

Our rollators are perfect for residents on the go. They provide balance and stability and can also be used as seating. They're ideal for both indoor and outdoor use and include convenient storage pouches for personal items.

We have a wheelchair for every resident. Our team will help you choose the perfect model based on seat width, adjustability, leg options, arm preferences and more. We also stock a complete line of wheelchair cushions to ensure your residents receive optimal support.

Folding walkers are available in both standard and bariatric styles. We also offer a full range of accessories, including glides, wheels, trays and baskets, to customize the walkers to your residents' individual preferences.

The unique LiftWalker is the ideal product for residents who need a little help sitting or standing on their own. It has stand assist bars that easily retract into the unit to turn it into a traditional walker.

If your residents just need a little help getting around, we also offer standard and quad canes.

Your ProMed territory manager is ready to tell you more about our mobility solutions. You can also connect with us by giving us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visiting us online at promedsupply.com.

Study: Seniors See Cognitive, Emotional Benefits from Social Media

It might be time to schedule a "Facebook 101" class at your facility.

Researchers in the United Kingdom found that seniors in long-term care facilities receive a number of cognitive and emotional benefits from being trained in using social media. 

The subjects were given a touchscreen computer and keyboard and received three months of training on using social media applications such as Facebook and Skype. The researchers found that, compared to the control group, the study participants showed improved cognition, a greater sense of self-competence and self-identity and were socially engaged. 

To learn more, click here. 

December 7-13 is National Influenza Vaccination Week!

Click here to download National Influenza Vaccination Week resources from the CDC, including flyers, posters and other educational materials.

Researchers: Hospice Benefit Should Be Redesigned for LTC Residents

Researchers at the Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University Center for Aging Research are recommending that Medicare reconsider how they support nursing home residents who need hospice care.

The researchers said the current hospice benefit isn't a good fit for nursing home residents because of the way eligibility criteria is configured. Nursing home residents tend to have longer average hospice stays than individuals living in a community setting (nearly a third of nursing home residents receive hospice services for longer than six months, compared to less than one week for about one-third of hospice users overall). Residents are also more likely to dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, be women and have dementia.

To learn more, click here.

Banish the Holiday Blues

Sleigh bells are ringing and Christmas carols are floating through the air, but that doesn’t mean that everyone is filled with the holiday spirit. In fact, you might find that many of your residents become depressed or blue when the holidays roll around. What causes the holiday blues and what can you do to banish them from your facility?

Getting to the bottom of “Bah humbug!”  
Think about your fondest childhood holiday memories. For many of us, they revolve around time spent with family and friends. As we grow older, family and friends move away or might no longer be with us. This can lead older adults to think about how quickly time has passed or become sad at the prospect of celebrating the holidays without loved ones. Health problems and concerns about money can also make it difficult to find joy in the holiday season.1

How can you help the residents at your facility have a jolly holiday?

Remember the past, but don’t live in it 
Many residents might hold on to what they remember as ideal holiday celebrations from their youth and become upset when they are unable to recreate them. The good news is that there are no “rules” about what makes for a good holiday celebration.

Invite residents to share their fondest holiday memories. What did they eat for Christmas dinner as a child? What was their favorite present from Santa? Recalling these memories should bring a smile to residents’ faces.

After they are finished recalling special Christmases past, gently remind the resident that while Christmas might be different now, the facility is dedicated to making sure they enjoy the holiday season and make lots of new memories.

Be a good listener 
When you notice that residents seem down, encourage them to talk about how they’re feeling. Acknowledge that they might be having “difficult” feelings, such as a sense of loss if their family members or friends have died or moved away. Remind the resident that there’s nothing wrong with not feeling jolly and that a lot of people get the blues during the holiday season.

The truth is, the holidays aren’t a magic wand. No matter how many get-togethers residents attend or gifts they unwrap, the holidays won’t automatically zap away worries, loneliness, sadness, frustration, anger or fear. This can be easy to forget when strains of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” are filling the air.

Lend a helping hand
The holidays can be overwhelming even for people who are in great health and have an easy time getting around. Many elderly people will have a difficult time performing holiday rituals such as shopping or sending Christmas cards. Could your facility organize a special shopping trip at a time when the stores are less likely to be crowded or offer to help address Christmas cards for residents who have a tough time gripping a pen?

Help create low-cost gifts 
Many senior citizens are on tight or fixed budgets. For these people, giving gifts during the holidays can be a source of anxiety. You can help ease these worries by hosting gift-making sessions during your arts and crafts time. One simple and inexpensive project is creating note card sets using paper and rubber stamps. Staff members can cut and fold heavy paper into the desired note card size and then residents can personalize the cards using a variety of stickers or rubber stamps and different colors of ink pads. Encourage residents to “autograph” the back of the cards. Simply tie a ribbon around the cards to make them ready for giving.

Residents who knit or crochet might also enjoy showing other residents how to make simple gifts such as bookmarks. Inexpensive yarn for these crafts is readily available at hobby stores.

_{Share the sights of the season} 
Most towns are brightly lit with lights during the holiday season, but residents might not get a chance to enjoy them. Consider hosting an evening tour of the town in your facility’s van and slowly cruising past brightly lit homes and businesses. When you return to the facility, gather together for cocoa or spiced cider and discuss your favorite light displays.

Another idea that will both make your facility most festive and lift resident spirits is to have a holiday decorating contest. Residents of each hallway can team up with staff members to “deck the halls,” and then residents can vote for their favorite hallway. The team that decorates the winning hallway could receive a holiday pizza or ice cream party.

Holiday blues or depression?
How can you tell the difference between fleeting holiday blues and full-fledged depression? According to the National Institute for Mental Health, it’s important to watch for the following symptoms of depression1:

• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings
• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
• Irritability or restlessness
• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that were once pleasurable
• Fatigue and decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness or excessive sleeping
• Overeating or appetite loss
• Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that don’t ease even with treatment

If you suspect that residents are depressed rather than suffering from a case of the holiday blues, encourage them to talk to a staff member or social worker. Depression is very treatable and nothing to be ashamed of.

Reference
1 National Institute of Mental Health. What are the signs and symptoms of depression? Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/what-are-the-signs-and-symptoms-of-depression.shtml. Accessed December 10, 2014.

Trust ProMed for Your Everyday Essentials

ProMed is known as a premier source for high-quality products such as gloves and incontinence management products, but did you know that we also stock a full line of everyday health and
hygiene products?

We offer:

• OTC medications and supplements such as vitamins, antacids, pain relievers, antihistamines and decongestants
• Eye drops in lubricating, artificial tear and redness-relieving formulas
• Oral care products including toothpaste, mouth swabs, toothbrushes, mouthwash and lip balm
• Grooming accessories such as razors, shaving cream and deodorant
• Tissue for all of the wintertime colds and sniffles in your building
• Bathing products such as soap, shampoo and body wash
• And much more!

If you’re currently ordering these products through via an alternate source, why not streamline your process and purchase them through ProMed? Our territory managers are ready to tell you about the significant savings we can offer on the products your residents use every day. To connect with us, contact your territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

ProMed Holiday Closure Notice

Professional Medical will close at noon on Wednesday, December 24 and remain closed Thursday, December 25 and Friday, December 26 in honor of Christmas. Orders placed by noon on Friday, December 19 will be delivered by Wednesday, December 24.

We will also close at noon on Wednesday, December 31 and remain closed Thursday, January 1 and Friday, January 2 in honor of the New Year. Orders placed by noon on Wednesday, December 24 will be delivered by Wednesday, December 31.

Please contact our Customer Care department at 800,648.5190 if you have any questions or concerns.

Happy holidays from ProMed!

ProMed Named "Business Partner of the Year"

Professional Medical was recently honored with the "Business Partner of the Year" award from Total Home Health. We are honored to receive the award and to be Total's partner in health care!

CDC: 2014-'15 Flu Season Could Be Severe

The CDC warned today that the 2014-'15 flu season could be severe.

This year, the agency said, A H3N2 viruses have been the most common. Flu illnesses tend to be more severe when this is the case, with increases in hospitalizations and death. The CDC has found that roughly half of the H3N2 viruses analyzed this year are "drift variants," or viruses with antigenic or genetic differences that cause them to not align with seasonal flu vaccine. Nonetheless, the agency strongly recommends the flu vaccine because vaccines have been shown to offer some protection against drift variants in the past. They could also provide protection against other flu strains that might become more common as the season progresses.

The CDC is recommending a three-pronged approach to fighting the flu: vaccination; preventive health measures, including staying home from work when sick; and prompt treatment for anyone at a high risk of complications, such as the elderly, pregnant women, children under five and people with asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease and kidney disease.

To learn more, click here.

Scientists Develop Prosthetic Retina for Individuals with Macular Degeneration

According to a new report, researchers have developed "prosthetic retina" technology that has the potential to restore vision for seniors with macular degeneration.

The researchers used semiconductor nanorods and carbon nanotubes to create a film that has the potential to replace a damaged retina. It is more compact than previous designs that used wires or metals.

The technology has not yet been tested on humans, but testing on chicks showed that the technology responds to light by triggering neuronal activity.

To learn more, click here.

Coming Soon: A Brand-New Brief

When ProMed set out to create a new brief, we knew our customers were looking for a product that could provide optimal containment along with comfort and proven absorption. We took your feedback, worked closely with our manufacturing partner and created our exclusive Embrace Adult Skin Caring Briefs with Leakage Barriers.

These briefs have both inner and outer leakage barriers to provide fecal containment along with enhanced comfort. The high-performance dual core rapidly draws in and locks away fluids while super-absorbency polymers control odors and keep delicate skin dry and protected.

Additional brief features include:

• The Compliance® Better-Fit Comfort Tab™ System has flexible tabs that securely fasten and refasten anywhere on the durable side panels for easy application and a customized fit
• Compliance Skin Caring Dry-Dignity™ Fabric features breathable side panels and helps prevent skin irritation by increasing air circulation and reducing heat buildup
• The high-loft, premium non-woven Dry-Dignity Acquisition Zone prevents leakage by channeling the void more evenly through the pad for extra absorbency while preventing gel block when a rewet occurs 
• Soft, quiet cloth-like fabric is similar to traditional underwear, providing comfort and dignity 

Your ProMed territory manager has samples of the new brief, which will be in stock in mid-December. To connect with a territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190.

Can Your Wipes Go the Distance?

Some disinfectant wipes might seem like a good value, but if they’re not keeping your surfaces wet long enough to kill bacteria and viruses, they could actually be costing you more money and failing to protect your residents and staff.

Disinfectant wipes must keep a surface wet for the entire labeled contact time in order to kill microorganisms (for example, if a wipe advertises that it kills MRSA in one minute, a surface must remain wet for that entire minute). If wipes are not sufficiently saturated with disinfectant, staff members are forced to use multiple wipes to achieve the desired contact time, costing additional time and money.

Clorox Healthcare Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner Disinfectant Wipes are proven to keep surfaces wet for longer and with fewer wipes than the leading competitors. They also offer fast kill times on more than 40 microorganisms, are safe for use on a broad range of surfaces and leave behind a pleasant cherry-almond fragrance.

To learn more about the complete Clorox Healthcare product lineup, contact your ProMed territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

Gobble Up This Thanksgiving Trivia

Looking for a fun way to pass Thanksgiving afternoon? Print out this post, distribute it to your residents and test their knowledge of Thanksgiving! (If they get stumped, the answers are at the bottom.)

1. What was the first department store to host a Thanksgiving parade?

2. Who is the Greek goddess of corn?

3. What part of the turkey is saved and snapped as a superstitious good luck custom?

4. Who was the first President of the United States to pardon a turkey?

5. Which two football teams played each other in the first Thanksgiving Day game, held in 1934?

6. What is the name of the flap of skin that hangs from a turkey’s neck?

7. Yes or no: Do all turkeys gobble?

8. What is a baby turkey called?

9. Which state produces the most cranberries?

10. The Mayflower was not originally built to be a transportation vessel. What was its original purpose?

11. What was the name of the pilgrim leader who organized the first Thanksgiving feast?

12. Which eating utensil was absent at the first Thanksgiving meal – the knife, spoon or fork?

13. Who wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States? Hint: His face can be found on U.S. currency.

14. What is the average weight of a turkey purchased for Thanksgiving dinner?

15. How long did the first Thanksgiving celebration last?

Answers:

1. Gimbel’s Department Store in Philadelphia. 2. Demeter. 3. The wishbone. 4.Harry Truman. 5. The Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. 6. The wattle. 7. No. The male turkeys gobble, but the females make clicking noises. 8. A poult. 9.Wisconsin. 10. The Mayflower was built to be a merchant ship to carry wine.11. Governor William Bradford. 12. The fork. The pilgrims ate with knives, spoons and their fingers. 13. Benjamin Franklin. 14. 15 pounds. 15. Three days. 

ANA: Nurses Need Regular Schedules, Ability to Offer Input on Scheduling

According a new position statement from the American Nurses Association, nurses should be allowed to have control over scheduling in order to reduce on-the-job fatigue.

The statement recommends that employers make an effort to create regular, predictable schedules for nurses and take nurse input into account when doing so. If a nurse feels that taking on a certain shift would be dangerous due to fatigue, the nurse should be able to reject it without fear of repercussions.

The position statement also calls for maximum 12-hour shift lengths and 40-hour maximum work weeks.

To read the position statement in its entirety, click here.

Study: "Elderspeak" Can Have Negative Effects

A new study found that CNAs are more likely to use patronizing "elderspeak" when they are familiar with residents, if the resident has dementia or if no one else is around.

The study's authors defined elderspeak as simplified vocabulary or sentence structure, exaggerated intonation and vocal pitch, slowed speech, use of terms of endearment (such as "honey") and collective pronoun usage (such as "we").

The study's authors wrote that "the use of elderspeak may increase resistance to care, threaten self-esteem and well-being, and increase dependency among residents." Rather than relying on elderspeak, the researchers recommended facilities implement training programs designed to improve communication.

To learn more, click here.

Thanksgiving Order Cutoff Reminder

We want to remind you about our Thanksgiving order cutoff. If you place an order by noon tomorrow (Friday, November 21), it will be delivered by Wednesday, November 26. Orders placed after noon tomorrow will be delivered the week of December 1.

If you have any questions or concerns, our Customer Care team is here to help! They can be reached at (800) 648-5190.

Report: Nursing Home Compare a Valuable Tool, Could Be Better

According to a new report from the Government Accountability Office, the Nursing Home Compare website and other government sites provide valuable help to consumers, but they can be improved.

The report noted that Nursing Home Compare and Hospital Compare do not contain information how much services cost and do not allow consumers to easily sort providers or customize information. The sites were also reported as difficult for consumers to understand.

On the plus side, Nursing Home Compare was applauded for its easy-to-understand five-star rating system, which is used to summarize providers' performance.

To read the report, click here.

Incontinence Products: Change When Wet or Change When Needed?

Do you change your residents’ incontinence management products as soon as they’re wet, or only when it’s necessary? Many of today’s products are made using advanced technology that allows a single brief to hold multiple voids without sacrificing resident comfort or skin health.

Facilities using the “change when wet” strategy change a brief as soon as the wetness indicator shows that any wetness is present. The “change when needed” strategy, on the other hand, calls for changing the product only once two to three fingers’ width of wetness is shown on the indicator. Of course, if fecal matter is present, the brief is changed right away.

The “change when needed” strategy is a guideline rather than a hard and fast rule. Caregivers should use their experience with an individual resident to determine whether it would be a good fit for that person. When used correctly, this strategy can reduce the number of changes per day that a resident has to endure, which in turn helps promote resident dignity.

This strategy is especially beneficial for nighttime changes. Research has found that residents who spend less of the night asleep are more likely to nap during the day, are at a higher risk for falls and are at risk of shorter survival. Additionally, when residents are exposed to room-level light in the middle of the night, their circadian rhythms can shift, further upsetting their sleep patterns.1

Extended-use and overnight absorbent products offer a higher total capacity, which can reduce the number of changes needed at night. A high-capacity product, combined with the “change when needed” strategy, can equal a peaceful night for the resident.

Your ProMed territory manager can help you develop a protocol that fits your residents’ individual needs. To learn more, contact your territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

Reference 
1 Martin JL, Ancoli-Israel S. Sleep Disturbances in Long-Term Care. Clin Geriatr Med. Feb 2008;24(1):39-vi. 

Study: Why RA is Rising in Women

According to a new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism, women are two to three times more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Additionally, the rate of RA in women is starting to creep up after 40 years of decreasing.

The researchers offered three theories on why this might be the case:

1. Oral contraceptives. Earlier research found that oral contraceptives actually helped protect women from developing RA, However, newer pills on the market contain lower doses of synthetic estrogen. This decrease could be leading to less protection against RA. 
2. Smoking. While smoking in the U.S. is on the decline, women are kicking the habit more slowly than men. Smoking is one of the biggest factors for developing RA in both men and women. 
3. Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency has been on the rise among women during recent years. The deficiency has been tied to a higher risk of developing RA. 

The researchers believe that women's increased risk could be a combination of any of the three factors listed above rather than solely due to one of them. There could also be other factors that have not yet been identified. 

To learn more, click here.

CDC: Flu Season Slowly Getting Underway

According to the CDC, flu season is slowly getting underway. For the week ending in November 8, the following was reported to the agency:

• Widespread influenza activity was reported by Guam.
• Regional influenza activity was reported by three states (Alaska, Florida, and Massachusetts).
• Local influenza activity was reported by Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 13 states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, and Texas).
• Sporadic influenza activity was reported by the District of Columbia and 31 states (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming).
• No influenza activity was reported by three states (Maine, Rhode Island, and Tennessee).

Is your facility ready to fight the flu? Click here to view and download our Flu Prevention Strategies and Solutions brochure.

For more details on the current flu season from the CDC, click here.

Don't Let Cold Weather Wreak Havoc with Resident Skin

Cold weather has come in with a bang here in the Midwest! In addition to sending you scrambling for warmer clothing, it can also do a number on the already-delicate skin of your residents. As we age, our skin is likely to become drier due to the natural loss of oil glands, which help keep skin soft. Combine this with the drier air created by indoor heating, and you have the perfect recipe for dry, flaking or cracking skin.

What can you do to keep your residents – and yourself – comfortable?

Here are eight ideas:

1. Ask your supplier rep or a dermatologist which products they would recommend to deliver extra moisture to skin that is battered by the winter elements.
2. Moisturize resident skin more often with a product that creates a protective layer on the skin to help retain moisture.
3. If residents will be going outside, apply sunscreen to their faces and hands (if they're exposed). Winter sun, when combined with glare from snow, can still damage skin.
4. The skin on our hands is thinner and contains fewer oil glands, which makes it harder to keep hands moisturized in the winter. When your residents go outside, make sure they're wearing gloves (and remember that wool gloves can cause irritation to the skin).
5. If residents come back into the building wearing wet socks or gloves, remove them immediately to reduce the likelihood of itching, cracking, sores or even eczema flare-ups.
6. Consider placing several small humidifiers throughout the building. These help to put more moisture into the air, which helps prevent the skin from becoming dry.
7. To keep residents' feet moisturized, seek out a lotion that contains petroleum jelly or glycerine. 
8. Keep in mind that super-hot baths and showers can break down the lipid barriers in the skin, leading to moisture loss.

To learn more, click here.

Quat Binding: What You Need to Know Now

Quaternary-based cleaning products, or “quats,” are a popular and effective choice for disinfecting surfaces. However, their efficacy is largely determined by how they are used.

Research has found that quats have a tendency to become attracted to and absorbed into fabrics such as cotton and gauze. This happens because quats are positively charged and attracted to fabric surfaces that are negatively charged. The result is that a portion of the active ingredients in the quat are absorbed, leaving them unavailable for disinfection.1 This phenomenon is referred to as “quat binding.”

To eliminate quat binding, Clorox, manufacturer of Broad Spectrum Quaternary Disinfectant Cleaner, recommends using a ready-to-spray quat. The liquid should be left on the surface to meet the required contact time and then wiped off. Because the product is being sprayed directly onto the surface and not a wipe, there is no risk of quat binding. Clorox does not recommend that its quat product be used for cleaning floors.

When applied properly, quats offer a lot of benefits. They’re economical, low-odor, have a long shelf life, are compatible with most surfaces, have a relatively low toxicity and kill a broad spectrum of vegetative bacteria, fungi and viruses with comparatively low contact times.

To learn more about the complete range of Clorox Healthcare products available from Professional Medical, contact your territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

Reference 
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pdf/guidelines/disinfection_nov_2008.pdf

Keep Norovirus Off the Menu This Thanksgiving

Did you know that infected foodservice workers cause about 70 percent of reported norovirus outbreaks? While the illness is often linked with cruise ships in the news, the truth is that those incidents account for only about 1 percent of all reported outbreaks, which can happen anywhere people gather or food is served.

Norovirus is highly contagious and hard to kill. People who are sick with norovirus commonly vomit and have diarrhea, both of which can shed billions of tiny viral particles. It can take as few as 18 viral particles to make another person sick, so a person needs only to come into contact with a minute amount of vomit or diarrhea to develop norovirus.

Norovirus is an especially big problem for foodservice because one in five foodservice workers has reported working while sick with vomiting and diarrhea out of fear of losing a job or leaving coworkers short-staffed. Further complicating the issue are observations that show foodservice workers practice proper hand hygiene only one out of four times that they should. Of norovirus outbreaks caused by foodservice personnel, 54 percent of causes involve workers touching ready-to-eat foods with their bare hands.

Norovirus can remain infectious on foods even at freezing temperatures and until heated to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It can live on countertops and serving utensils for up to two weeks and resists many common disinfectants and hand sanitizers.

The CDC recommends taking the following steps to keep norovirus from spreading through the kitchen of your facility:

• Ensuring foodservice workers practice proper hand hygiene and avoid touching ready-to-eat foods (such as raw fruits and vegetables) with their bare hands before serving them 
• Certifying kitchen managers and training foodservice workers in food safety practices 
• Requiring sick workers to stay home and considering use of paid sick leave and on-call staffing to support compliance 

To learn more, click here.

Study: Roughly One-Fifth of Residents Mistreated By Other Residents Each Month

A new study out of Cornell University found that about 20 percent of nursing home residents are mistreated by a resident in a given month, a problem that the study's authors said is common, underreported and urgently in need of being addressed.

The most common types of mistreatment, accounting for 16 percent of the total reports, were cursing, screaming and yelling. Other examples included unwanted room entry, going through a resident's belongings without their permission, physical assaults and attempts to gain sexual favors.

The perpetrators of mistreatment were most commonly cognitively impaired but capable of moving around the facility. The researchers recommended that caregivers receive training on recognizing and reporting mistreatment as well as strategies for reducing it.

To learn more, click here.

Study: COPD Patients Discharged to SNFs Twice As Likely to Die Within a Year

A new study out of Ohio found that people who are discharged to skilled nursing facilities after being hospitalized for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, or COPD, are about twice as likely to die within a year.

COPD patients who were discharged to SNFs had a 34 percent change of dying within 180 days, compared to about 16 percent for those who were sent home from the hospital. Those numbers climbed to 46.5 percent and 24 percent, respectively, one year after discharge.

The researchers noted that patients discharged to SNFs are more likely to have severe COPD, multiple chronic conditions and poorer overall functioning. However, they suggested that further research might determine whether certain patients might benefit from more intensive management and which could be candidates for hospice and palliative care.

To learn more, click here.

ProMed Thanksgiving Closure Notice

Professional Medical will be closed Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 in honor of Thanksgiving. 

Orders placed by noon on Friday, November 21 will be delivered by Wednesday, November 26. Orders placed afternoon on Friday, November 21 will be delivered the week of December 1.
Please call our Customer Care team at 800.648.5190 with any questions or concerns.

Design Services: Partner with the Pros

We know you have choices when it comes to design services, but how many of those choices are healthcare experts?

Professional Medical has partnered with Basic American to offer an interior design program geared specifically toward healthcare. The Basic American design team and ProMed are with you every step of the way, from planning to design and implementation. Whether you’re looking to spruce up a few resident rooms or completely overhaul your existing building, we’re ready to help you create the space of your dreams.

Best of all, this service is completely complimentary. Why spend upwards of $100 per hour for a designer when you can receive the same quality service for free? You’ll save thousands of dollars that can be utilized for resident care or facility upgrades.

Through this partnership, not only will you avoid having to pay an interior designer's hourly charges, you'll also be partnering with a team of professionals who are in tune with the specific challenges of designing for long-term care. The Basic American team is detail-oriented and well-versed in the life safety codes, fire ratings and potential F tags that need to be considered when designing a space that is functional and durable as well as attractive. You're also welcome to join us on a visit to Basic American's 11,000 square foot showroom in Atlanta to meet with their team and gain inspiration for your own facility.

ProMed and Basic American provide all of the following services at no charge: 

• Space planning
• Schematic design
• Design development
• Furniture selection
• Color and materials selection
• Custom furniture and millwork design
• Artwork selection
• Graphics and signage
• Accessories and lighting specifications
• Installation administration
• In-house purchasing

To learn more or receive a free, no-obligation budgetary quote, contact your ProMed territory manager or give us a call at (800) 648-5190.

ProMed Article Featured In LTC Today

If you're a member of the Illinois Health Care Association, be sure to check out the article we contributed to the Fall/Winter 2014 edition of LTC Today!

Titled "Secrets to Success and Longevity in Long Term Care," the article examines opportunities for savings on both the organizational and product level. It draws upon knowledge that ProMed has accumulated since our founding as a company in 1968.

If you're not an IHCA member, you can also read the article online by clicking here.

Why Do We Do That On Halloween?

Have you ever wondered how Halloween traditions such as trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins and dressing in costume got started? We have the answers!

Why do kids trick-or-treat on Halloween?

Trick-or-treating originated on All Souls' Day during the Middle Ages, when poor people in Great Britain would beg for soul cakes, described as a sweet-bread treat, and promise to pray for the donor's dead relatives in return. American children began trick-or-treating in the 1800s, but the focus was more on pranks than candy. By the 1950s, the focus had switched to costumes and family fun.

Why do we carve pumpkins?

The tradition of carving pumpkins began in Ireland, where turnips were hollowed out, carved into a representation of a human face and illuminated with a candle. Children commonly carried these "turnip lanterns" door to door to represent the dead when begging for soul cakes. Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, home of the pumpkin, where carvers found that the large orange fruit made for a perfect jack-o'-lantern.

Why do we wear Halloween costumes?

Hundreds of years ago, people believed that ghosts could come back to the earthly world on Halloween. To avoid being recognized by these ghosts when they left their homes at night, they would wear scary masks that they believed would make the ghosts mistake them for fellow spirits. The tradition has evolved over the years and now many costumes are more fun and less frightening.

Does your facility have any special Halloween traditions? We'd love for you to share them with us – and your colleagues in long-term care – on our Facebook page!

Research: Hearing Aid Adjustment Helps Residents Enjoy Music More

According to researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, nursing home residents enjoy music more if their hearing aids are adjusted before it's played.

The researchers found that current hearing aid technology makes it easier to follow conversations, but distorts music. These hearing aids use a technology called wide dynamic range compression, which boosts softer sounds while providing less amplification to loud sounds. This technology isn't ideally suited for listening to music, which commonly uses multiple volume levels during a single song. Instead, a hearing aid that boosts volume across the board is a better fit.

Many modern hearing aids can be adjusted to perform this way (it's actually the way many older models functioned). The key is that clinicians know to make the adjustment before residents listen to music.

To learn more, click here.

Today Is World Stroke Day

October 29 is World Stroke Day. Established by the World Stroke Organization in 2006, this day was designed to help spread public awareness of stroke risks and prevalence.

Stroke is the fourth most common cause of death in the U.S. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association encourage everyone to learn the F.A.S.T. stroke warning signs, which are:
F: Face drooping
A: Arm weakness
S: Speech difficulty
T: Time to call 911

Additional signs of a stroke include sudden trouble seeing, dizziness, confusion, severe headache and weakness on one side of the body.

To learn more about World Stroke Day, click here.

Report: Increase Flu Vaccine Compliance By Requiring Unvaccinated Workers To Wear Masks

According to a new report, making unvaccinated healthcare workers wear face masks is a highly effective way of increasing flu vaccine compliance.

A new rule put into place in New York state during the 2013-'14 flu season required unvaccinated workers to wear masks while flu was deemed prevalent in the state. The rule is being credited with increasing flu vaccine compliance in the state from 60.5 percent to 87 percent, with some facilities reporting 98 percent compliance.

To learn more, click here.

Report: Falls Top Reason for LTC Lawsuits

According to a new report, falls continue to be the number one reason for lawsuits against skilled nursing and other LTC facilities.

The report, which was issued by an insurance company, stated that falls accounted for 41.5 percent of closed professional liability claims against nonprofit skilled facilities between 2012 and 2013. However, this figure was actually down from nearly 44 percent for the time period between 2007 and 2011.

Falls greatly surpassed the second most common reason for lawsuits, pressure ulcers, which represented just 17.5 percent of closed claims.

The most common allegations of reasons for falls were failure to monitor, improper care and unsafe environment.

To learn more, click here.

Canadian Researchers Develop One-Hour Test for Sepsis

A new test developed in Canada could reduce the time needed to diagnose sepsis to just one hour. The current time needed for a sepsis diagnosis is 24 to 48 hours.

The diagnostic test, which would look for a specific gene signature, has not yet been developed, but the technology for it exists. According to the developers, the test could work by a resident providing a blood sample that is then tested through technology including mass spectrometry. If the gene signature is found, it would indicate that sepsis will develop and organ failure will follow.

To learn more, click here.

CDC Updates PPE Requirements for Ebola Patient Care

The CDC recently updated its guidance on the personal protective equipment, or PPE, to be used by healthcare workers managing patients with the Ebola virus. The agency now recommends the following:

• An N95 respirator in combination with a surgical hood and full face shield or a PAPR with a full face shield, helmet or headpiece
• A disposable fluid-resistant or impermeable gown that extends to at least the mid-calf or a coverall without an integrated hood
• Two pairs of disposable nitrile examination gloves with extended cuffs 
• Disposable fluid-resistant or impermeable boot covers that extend to at least mid-calf or disposable shoe covers 
• A disposable fluid-resistant or impermeable apron that covers the torso down to the mid-calf level (this is only necessary when caring for Ebola patients who are vomiting or have diarrhea) 

Additionally, the CDC noted that all healthcare workers involved in caring for Ebola patients must receive repeated training and have demonstrated competence in performing all Ebola-related infection control practices and procedures.

To read the complete guidance, click here.

Get Ready for Flu Season 2014

The CDC has released its guidance for the 2014-’15 flu season, which could begin at any time and last until as late as May. The agency recommends that healthcare facilities implement five core infection prevention strategies to halt the spread of flu.

The flu vaccine

The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months, including all healthcare workers and nursing home residents, receive a flu shot unless contraindicated. This year’s flu shot is designed to protect against the main flu viruses that research suggests will cause most of the season’s illnesses. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for flu antibodies to begin developing and providing protection, so the vaccine should be administered as soon as it is available.

Implement respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette 

Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette should be observed by all healthcare workers as well as all visitors, both at their arrival and throughout the duration of their visits. The CDC recommends posting visual alerts, such as signs and posters, at the entrance and throughout the facility containing information on how and when to perform these procedures. Supplies such as hand sanitizer, tissues and masks should also be readily available for staff, residents and visitors.

Monitor and manage ill healthcare workers 

Healthcare workers who develop a fever and respiratory symptoms should be instructed not to report to work. If they are already at work, they should stop all resident-care activities, don a facemask and notify their supervisor and infection control contact. The ill worker should not return to work until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicines).

Adhere to infection control precautions

When caring for a resident with the flu, all healthcare workers should observe standard precautions, droplet precautions and exercise caution when performing aerosol-generating procedures (such as bronchoscopy, sputum induction, elective intubation and extubation).

Implement environmental and engineering infection control measures

Standard cleaning and disinfection procedures should be performed in all settings within the facility, including resident-care areas in which aerosol-generating procedures are performed. When feasible, consider installing engineering controls that reduce or eliminate exposure, such as curtains that can be drawn between residents in shared areas.

For additional details on the CDC’s recommendations, click here.

ProMed stocks all of the products you need to fight the spread of flu and other infections in your facility, including:

• Hand hygiene products and dispensers
• Isolation products 
• Linen bags designed to handle infectious waste
• Surface disinfectants 

To learn more about any of these items, contact your ProMed territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

Ebola Resources for LTC

There are a lot of questions surrounding the recent Ebola outbreak. We've assembled the following list of links to help you find the answers you need both for yourself and your residents.

• CDC Ebola Update 
• Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Hospitalized Patients with Known or Suspected Ebola Virus Disease in U.S. Hospitals
• WHO Global Alert and Response for Ebola 
• CNN's Coverage of the Ebola Outbreak
• Information for Ohioans from the Ohio Department of Health
• Ebola Updates from the White House

Report: Average Per-Day Rate for LTC Now $280

According to a new report, the average per-day rate for a nursing home is at $280 and is expected to rise to $284 by the end of the year. This represents a 3.6 increase over last year.

The report was conducted by California-based commercial real estate brokerage Marcus & Millichap, who said their findings show that the economy has turned a corner and that improvements in the housing market (namely, residents being able to access funds previously tied up in their homes) have also created favorable conditions for long-term care communities.

To learn more, click here.

Study: Increased Hospice Services Lead to Decreased Hospitalizations

According to a new report, increasing hospice services at nursing homes can reduce hospital admissions among all residents, including those not enrolled in hospice.

The researchers found that for every 10 percent increase in hospice expansion at a facility, the risk of hospitalization decreased 5.1 percent for non-hospice residents and 4.8 percent for residents enrolled in hospice.

According to the study's authors, their findings "shed light on nursing home end-of-life care delivery, collaboration among providers and cost benefit analysis of hospice care."

To learn more, click here.

Positioning Solutions from ProMed

Gone are the days of a "one-product-for-all-needs" mentality when it comes to positioning cushions. Today, there's a product for every situation.

We created the list below to help you select the perfect cushions for your residents’ individual requirements. All of these cushions are available from ProMed.

• Foam wheelchair cushions are inexpensive, lightweight, provide even support and are available in multiple densities.
• Gel wheelchair cushions provide excellent pressure redistribution and are very comfortable. 
• Gel/foam hybrid cushions combine the benefits of foam and gel cushions. 
• Air flotation (inflated cell) cushions can be inflated to the resident’s specific needs and can be modified to help relieve pressure sores. They are waterproof and will not bottom out when inflated properly. 
• Lap positioners provide upper torso support and can help assist with upper body alignment. They also serve as a gentle reminder to residents to stay seated.
• Abductor (pommel) cushions hold the legs slightly apart to help keep a resident’s hips and knees properly aligned and reduce forward sliding. They can also be used to help prevent hip dislocation following surgery.
• Wedge cushions offer improved posture and slide control.

To learn more, contact your ProMed territory manager, give us a call at 800.648.5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

Do You Have a Cold or Allergies?

As the weather turns cooler, many of us start to sniffle and wheeze. Is it a cold or seasonal allergies?

According to the Mayo Clinic, while common colds are caused by viruses, seasonal allergies are an immune system response triggered by an allergen, such as ragweed. Colds can typically be relieved with rest, pain relievers and OTC remedies. Seasonal allergies, on the other hand, can be eased with OTC or prescription antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and decongestants and avoiding allergens where possible.

The Mayo Clinic also assembled the chart below to help you examine your symptoms and get to the root of your discomfort.

Symptom	Cold	Allergies
Cough	Usually	Sometimes
Aches and pains	Sometimes	Never
Fatigue	Sometimes	Sometimes
Itchy eyes	Rarely	Usually
Sneezing	Usually	Usually
Sore throat	Usually	Sometimes
Runny nose	Usually	Usually
Stuffy nose	Usually	Usually
Fever	Rarely	Never