Nearly 4 million infections occur annually in long-term care facilities and cost facilities between $673 million and $2 billion annually. Medications play an important role in preventing the spread of infections.
Prime Care Pharmacy has worked with long-term care facilities (LTCs) across the Midwest since 1985 to seamlessly integrate comprehensive pharmacy services and help stop infections in their tracts.
Infection prevention in skilled nursing facilities is an integral component of resident care. Because of the close quarters and compromised immune systems, patients in these facilities are increasingly more susceptible to infections than others.
Residents in LTCs are particularly vulnerable to:
UTIs are among the most common infections in elderly populations, often caused by catheter use or urinary retention.
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for active UTIs as they eradicate the bacteria causing the infection. While UTIs are not communicable, antibiotics work to provide symptom relief often within a few days.
Pneumonia and other respiratory infections can spread rapidly in group settings like skilled nursing facilities. Not all cases of pneumonia are equal because it can be caused by viral or bacterial infections.
While vaccines work to prevent viral pneumonia, antibiotics are effective treatment against bacterial cases. Prompt administration of appropriate antibiotics can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.
While not solely medication-related, proper use of antimicrobials in food safety and preparation is essential. Medications that enhance gut health, such as probiotics, can help strengthen the immune response against foodborne pathogens.
When prevention measures fall short, antibiotics are frequently used to treat bacterial infections.
Their timely administration is crucial, as prompt treatment can significantly halt the progression of infections, reduce complications, and limit the spread of infectious agents among residents.
Delays in treatment can lead to worsening conditions, hospitalizations, and increased risk of severe complications. So much so that in many cases, especially with severe or life-threatening infections, healthcare providers begin treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics before cultures and sensitivities are available.
Once results have come back, antibiotics are switched to one that will work best based on culture results.
While broad-spectrum antibiotics are effective, they can also disrupt the normal microbial flora of patients, increasing the risk of secondary infections, such as Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) colitis.
Common issues to be mindful of when administering antibiotics to this population is the potential for side effects including:
Healthcare providers in these settings must carefully weigh the benefits of antibiotic therapy against the risks of adverse effects, ensuring that residents receive the most appropriate treatment and close monitoring for any negative reactions.
With Prime Care, you can trust that your facility will have the resources and support needed for effective infection management.
Ensuring that residents receive infection medication, like antibiotics, promptly can make a critical difference in their recovery and outcomes.
Prompt initiation of antibiotic therapy can help halt the progression of infections, reduce the risk of complications, and limit the spread of infectious agents among residents.
Prime Care Pharmacy takes the guesswork out of antibiotic administration. With on-time medication deliveries and comprehensive staff education, your residents are in good hands.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help improve infection prevention and treatment in your facility!
See how we can enhance your facility’s processes. The Prime Care team is to support your pursuit of optimal care for your residents.
420 Country Club Drive, Bensenville, IL 60106
info@primecareltc.com
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