Study: Caregivers Contribute to Spread of MRSA

A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology states that as many as one in four nursing home residents are carriers of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA - and caregivers, the researchers found, might be unwittingly contributing the spread of the infection.

The researchers examined resident-caregiver interactions at a number of facilities and found that transmission is most likely to occur while dressing or transferring residents, providing hygiene such as brushing teeth or combing hair and when changing linens or briefs. The most common mode of transmission is caregivers' contaminated gloves.

The researchers noted that guidance on when to use barrier precautions (such as gowns and gloves) when caring for residents with MRSA is limited.

To learn more, click here.

Research: Tablets Help Residents Feel Confident with Technology

New research has found that using tablet computers can make the elderly feel more confident with technology overall.

Tablets have the benefit of being small, lightweight, portable and easy to use at any age. Their touch screens are also easier to navigate than a traditional computer with a mouse, according to the researcher.

Additional studies have also shown that the use of tablets can help ward off depression when they are used to make it easy to connect residents with loved ones.

To learn more, click here.

Study: Hospice Spouses Less Depressed Following Loved One's Death

A new study of 1,000 surviving spouses of deceased individuals over the age of 50 found that the spouses of individuals who received at least three days of hospice care were less depressed than the spouses of those who did not.

The researchers found that the positive effect was more prominent a year after the spouse's death. While they were not able to pinpoint a specific reason for the decrease in depression, most hospices provide services including spiritual counseling, social services and bereavement counseling in addition to medical services and symptom management.

To learn more, click here.

Spring Into Health with ProHeal Liquid Supplements

Take the bitter taste out of supplements with DermaRite’s new ProHeal line. Each liquid supplement was designed to assist with a specific health concern and your residents will love their fresh, fruity flavors.

ProHeal™ is a medical food developed for the dietary management of wounds as well as other conditions that would benefit from extra protein intake, including hypoalbuminemia, involuntary weight loss, anorexia, protein calorie malnutrition, muscle wasting conditions such as AIDS and cancer, dialysis and bariatric surgery. Flavor: Cherry

ProHeal™ Critical Care is a concentrated blend of hydrolyzed collagen and whey protein for maximum protein content and absorption. It also contains vitamin C and L-Arginine for collagen synthesis and increased blood flow to wound areas as well as zinc and copper, co-factors in connective tissue reproduction. Flavor: Cherry

FiberHeal™ combines the laxative and stool-softening effects of fiber and FOS with all-natural sorbitol, which aids in gentle elimination without diarrhea. As part of a healthy diet, FiberHeal helps maintain regularity, lower cholesterol levels and support blood sugar control. Flavor: Lemon Twist

UTIHeal™ creates an environment that inhibits the growth of infection-causing bacteria while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the urinary tract. The concentrated cranberry-based formula also contains vitamin C, D-Mannose and Erythritol as well as FOS (Inulin) to promote urinary tract health and infection prevention. Flavor: Cranberry

To learn more about the ProHeal line, contact your ProMed territory manager, please give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com for additional information.

Memorial Day Closure Reminder

Professional Medical will be closed Monday, May 25, 2015 in honor of Memorial Day.

All Monday deliveries will be made on Tuesday, May 26. All Tuesday deliveries will be made on Wednesday, May 27.

Customers who typically order on Monday for Tuesday delivery should place their orders by noon on Friday, May 22.

Please call our Customer Care department at (800) 648-5190 if you have questions or concerns. 

We Have Your Furniture Solutions!

Did you know that we can help you create furnishings that are a perfect fit for your facility? Territory Manager Pam West worked with a customer on these custom chairs. The customer had a vision of exactly what they wanted and our team made it happen. ProMed is your go-to source for more than medical supplies - contact us today to learn more!

Swap Your Heavy Blankets for Spring-Friendly Styles

Warmer weather means it’s finally time for lighter bedding. If you’re ready to swap heavy quilts for light cotton blankets but your current linens aren’t up to snuff, give us a call!

Now is also the perfect time to check and see if any of your other linens need updating. Are your towels wearing thin? Do your sheets have holes? Or are you just ready to upgrade? Our knowledgeable territory managers will help you find the perfect linen solutions for every season.

During the warmer months, your residents will appreciate our woven and ribbed blankets and spreads, which are available in a spectrum of colors. These can be paired with or changed out for our solid and printed quilted spreads when the weather turns cool.

We also stock the following linen solutions for year-round use:

• Premium, standard and knitted sheets
• Bath blankets to keep residents warm and protect modesty
• Reusable and disposable pillows with non-woven or vinyl bodies
• Premium and standard white terry in multiple weights
• Colored terry for color-coding by use, department or resident
• Generously cut clothing protectors in terrycloth and flannel
• Reusable underpads in a variety of absorbencies
• Related items such as mattresses, laundry carts and hampers

To learn more, contact your territory manager, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com. To view or download or Textile and Linen Solutions catalog, click here.