ENID, OK - Individuals in long term care, such as nursing homes, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities are usually vulnerable and may have a weakened immune system, either due to illness or age. These long term care residents are particularly susceptible to influenza. The “Flu” can be introduced into a home by newly admitted residents, health care workers and by visitors. The flu can spread to and from residents, health care providers, and visitors. The State Ombudsman Program, which advocates for residents of long term care facilities, wants to remind individuals who visit facilities to take precautions to prevent the spread of the flu in these vulnerable communities.
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Preventing the transmission of the flu within a long-term care facility requires a proactive approach that includes vaccinations, testing and infection control. Infection control requires planning to be effective. Requiring staff to wash their hands is essential. Masks and gloves can also be helpful when it’s flu season. Anyone that has a cough or fever should plan their visit at a later time. Visitors may notice that a facility has posted a sign asking them to come back another day if they have these symptoms. This preventive measure could actually save a resident’s life. Residents that have the flu should be kept separate from the general population. Residents also should be encouraged to wash their hands often. Residents that do not have symptoms should be encouraged to stay in their room during an outbreak to prevent them from contracting the flu from others who do. Whenever a resident displays symptoms of influenza that resident should be tested immediately. It does not take long for an outbreak to occur in a nursing home community. Taking as many precautions as possible is essential for the health of residents in long term care.
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If you or someone you know lives in a long term care facility and you have questions or concerns please call your local Ombudsman Supervisor. The Long Term Care Authority of Enid Area Agency on Aging has two Ombudsman Supervisors; Julie Torson and David Huff. Julie and David can be reached at 580-237-2236. Their office is located at 202 W. Broadway, Suite A, in Enid.
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Protecting the Elderly from the Flu
