Enid, OK - Long term care facilities, such as nursing homes, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities provide health care to individuals who cannot live independently in the community. Individuals in long term care are usually vulnerable and may have a weakened immune system, either due to illness or age.
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Nursing home, skilled care and assisted living residents are particularly vulnerable to influenza. Influenza can be introduced into a long term care facility by newly admitted residents, health care workers and by visitors. The spread of influenza can occur between and among residents, health care providers, and visitors. Residents of long term care facilities can experience severe and fatal illness during influenza outbreaks.
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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. Visiting family and friends should also take that precaution. 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.
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In the event that a new patient or resident is admitted to the facility after the influenza vaccinations have been given, then arrangements should be made from them to receive the vaccine as soon as possible. Whenever a resident displays symptoms of influenza then 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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The State of Oklahoma Long Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for residents of nursing homes, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. 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. They are 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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Staying Healthy in Long Term Care During Flu Season
