Source: CDC.gov | Reviewed March 2024

Understanding Long-Term Care Facilities

Long-term care facilities—including nursing homes, assisted living communities, and rehabilitation centers—provide essential medical and personal support for people who need help with daily activities. These settings offer compassion, expertise, and around-the-clock care. But because residents often live in close quarters and may have complex health needs, the risk of infection can be higher than in other environments.

The good news? With the right knowledge and simple habits, you or your loved one can significantly reduce that risk. At Crestwood General, we believe informed patients and families are the strongest partners in care. Learn more about our approach to senior health at https://crestwoodgeneral.com/.

Why Infection Risk Is Higher—and What You Can Do

In long-term care settings, infections can spread more easily due to shared spaces, frequent hands-on care, and residents' underlying health conditions. But you're not powerless. Here are proven, practical steps to stay protected:

🩺 Speak Up About Symptoms

If you notice signs of infection—such as fever, new confusion, unusual fatigue, pain with urination, coughing, or skin redness—tell your healthcare provider right away. Early reporting helps catch problems before they worsen. Don't wait to see if symptoms "go away on their own."

💊 Use Antibiotics Wisely

If antibiotics are prescribed:
- Take the full course exactly as directed—even if you start feeling better
- Never share or save antibiotics for later
- Report side effects like diarrhea, rash, or nausea to your provider immediately

Misusing antibiotics can lead to resistant infections like C. diff or MRSA. Learn more about antibiotic safety from the CDC: Healthy Habits: Antibiotic Do's and Don'ts

🧼 Keep Hands Clean—Yours and Everyone Else's

Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent infection spread.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or after using the restroom
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap isn't available
- Politely remind staff, visitors, and fellow residents to clean their hands too

The CDC's handwashing guide offers simple tips: CDC Handwashing Basics

💉 Stay Up to Date on Vaccines

Vaccines are powerful tools to prevent serious complications. Make sure you're protected against:
- Influenza (flu)—recommended annually for all long-term care residents
- Pneumococcal disease (which can cause pneumonia)
- COVID-19
- Shingles (for eligible adults)

Talk to your care team about your vaccine schedule. Find personalized recommendations at CDC's Vaccine Portal.

Common Infections in Long-Term Care: What to Know

Being aware of frequent threats helps you stay vigilant. Here are key infections to understand:

🔹 C. diff (Clostridioides difficile)
A bacterium that causes severe diarrhea, often after antibiotic use. Prevent spread through careful handwashing (soap and water works best) and environmental cleaning. Learn more: CDC: About C. diff

🔹 MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
A type of staph bacteria resistant to some antibiotics. It can cause skin infections or more serious illness. Good hygiene and wound care reduce risk. CDC resource: MRSA Basics

🔹 Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE)
"Nightmare bacteria" that resist powerful antibiotics. Strict infection control in facilities helps limit spread. Details: CDC: CRE Information

🔹 Catheter-Associated UTIs
Urinary catheters can introduce bacteria into the bladder. Ask your care team: "Is this catheter still necessary?" and ensure proper insertion and maintenance. CDC guidance: CAUTI Prevention

🔹 Norovirus
Highly contagious virus causing vomiting and diarrhea. Spread through contaminated surfaces, food, or person-to-person contact. Frequent disinfection and staying home when sick help stop outbreaks. Learn more: CDC: Norovirus

🔹 Sepsis
A life-threatening response to infection. Know the signs: confusion, rapid breathing, high heart rate, extreme pain, or clammy skin. Sepsis is a medical emergency—seek help immediately. CDC resource: About Sepsis

Tips for Family Members and Caregivers

Your involvement makes a real difference in keeping your loved one safe.

✅ Visit smart: If you're feeling sick, postpone your visit. When you do visit, clean your hands upon entering and leaving the facility.

✅ Ask questions: Don't hesitate to ask staff about infection prevention practices, vaccine status, or care plans. You're part of the care team.

✅ Watch for changes: You know your loved one best. Report new or worsening symptoms promptly.

✅ Support healthy habits: Encourage hand hygiene, proper nutrition, hydration, and movement—all of which support immune health.

For Medicare beneficiaries and families, helpful tools include:
- Medicare's Nursing Home Compare to find and evaluate facilities
- CMS Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program for advocacy and support

Creating a Culture of Safety Together

Infection prevention isn't just the job of healthcare staff—it's a shared responsibility. When residents, families, caregivers, and providers work together, everyone benefits.

Simple actions add up:
- A reminder to wash hands
- A question about antibiotic use
- A timely report of new symptoms
- A vaccine appointment kept

At Crestwood General, we support long-term care communities with compassionate, evidence-based guidance. Whether you're a resident, family member, or caregiver, you deserve clear information and respectful care. Explore our resources or connect with our team at https://crestwoodgeneral.com/.

Trusted Resources for More Information

CDC: Infection Prevention in Long-Term Care
https://www.cdc.gov/longtermcare/
CDC: Tips for Being a Safe Patient
https://www.cdc.gov/patient-safety/
National Institute on Aging: Caring for Someone in Long-Term Care
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caring-for-someone-long-term-care
Medicare: Find and Compare Nursing Homes
https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/
Crestwood General: Senior Health & Care Coordination
https://crestwoodgeneral.com/

Knowledge is protection. Stay informed, stay engaged, and prioritize safety every day.