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This week’s long-term care roundup highlights critical developments across medication safety, infection control, caregiver support, and healthcare innovation. From a new FDA warning on allergy medications and a rise in tuberculosis cases, to advancements in fall prevention and evolving sepsis care metrics, these stories offer valuable insights. With proposed legislation affecting resident rights and federal policy shifts in home-based care, staying informed is essential for senior living professionals striving to improve care quality, safety, and resident well-being.
The FDA has issued a warning that discontinuing long-term use of cetirizine (Zyrtec) or levocetirizine (Xyzal) may lead to rare but severe itching, known as pruritus. This reaction has been reported in patients who had used these medications daily for months or years, prompting updates to prescribing information and over-the-counter labels.
Study Identifies Best Model for Sepsis Management
A recent study suggests that a composite outcome measure—combining in-hospital mortality and hospice discharge—may be more effective than the traditional 30-day mortality metric for assessing sepsis management outcomes. This model could provide more timely and comprehensive insights for healthcare providers.
Tuberculosis on the Rise in Senior Living Communities
The Winter 2025 issue of NADONA’s Director magazine features an article highlighting the resurgence of tuberculosis (TB) cases in senior living communities. The piece emphasizes the importance of vigilant screening, prompt isolation, and comprehensive staff training to manage and prevent TB outbreaks among vulnerable older adult populations.
Temple Professor’s VR Startup Assesses Fall Risk in Older Adults
Professor W. Geoffrey Wright has developed UprightVR, a virtual reality tool that assesses fall risk in older adults by simulating balance-challenging scenarios. This innovative approach aims to identify and address balance deficits to prevent falls.
Study Raises Questions About GUIDE Model’s Helpfulness for Caregivers of Loved Ones with Dementia
Research indicates that the GUIDE model, designed to support caregivers of individuals with dementia, may fall short by focusing solely on a single primary caregiver. This approach potentially overlooks the broader network of caregivers involved in a patient’s care.
CMS Plans Early End to Payment Model That Encourages Home Dialysis
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to terminate the End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment Choices (ETC) model ahead of its scheduled end in 2027. The model was designed to promote home dialysis and kidney transplants, and its early conclusion raises questions about future support for home-based treatments.
Bill Would Expand Visitation Rights to Assisted Living Residents
Minnesota lawmakers are proposing legislation that would allow residents of assisted living communities to designate at least one support person to be present during healthcare services. This bill aims to enhance resident rights and ensure consistent support during medical care.
Assisted Living Needs a Reality Check
This editorial discusses the increasing calls for federal oversight of assisted living communities, highlighting the inconsistencies in state regulations and the growing reliance on Medicaid funding. The author argues that federal regulation is inevitable to ensure consistent care standards.
This week’s stories reflect the evolving landscape of senior living, where clinical vigilance, policy shifts, and innovation intersect. From updated FDA guidance to emerging public health concerns and new approaches to care delivery, these developments emphasize the need for informed leadership, collaborative care models, and responsive community practices. As challenges grow more complex, so does the opportunity to strengthen outcomes through knowledge, adaptability, and resident-centered strategies.
Stay well and informed!