Keeping long-term care facilities running smoothly and healthily requires a comprehensive approach. This Long Term Care Tool Kit provides essential resources and quick links to help administrators, healthcare providers, and staff manage various aspects of resident care, infection control, emergency preparedness, and overall well-being. Utilize this toolkit to access vital information and guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone in your long-term care community.
Essential Resources for Long-Term Care
This section offers direct links to crucial information categorized for easy navigation. Whether you are a resident seeking health information or a healthcare provider looking for professional resources, find what you need quickly below.
Quick Links for Residents
Access direct information on diseases, respiratory illnesses, heart health, behavioral health, emergency preparedness, and adult immunizations. These resources are designed to keep residents informed and healthy.
Diseases
Respiratory Illness
Heart Health
Behavioral Health
Emergency Preparedness
Adult Immunizations
Quick Links for Healthcare Providers
Healthcare professionals can quickly access resources on respiratory illnesses, pharmacies offering long-term care services, COVID-19 information for long-term care facilities, fall prevention strategies, reporting notifiable conditions, and general provider resources.
Respiratory Illness
Pharmacies with Long-Term Care Services
COVID-19 Info for Long-term Care Facilities
Notifiable Conditions
Provider Resources
Stay Updated: What’s New in Guidance
Keep abreast of the latest health directives. The Department of Health (DOH) guidance is regularly updated, and it’s crucial to review the latest revisions. Long-term care and residential facilities should specifically adhere to the COVID-19 Infection Prevention in Health Care Settings guidelines and the CDC’s flu guidance for healthcare settings.
Reporting COVID-19 Cases Effectively
For detailed guidance on managing outbreaks, consult the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. Healthcare facilities can find specific instructions on reporting outbreaks by visiting our Report Notifiable Conditions page.
Adult Vaccine Clinics and Information
While there are no upcoming events currently listed, stay tuned for updates on adult vaccine clinics. Vaccination remains a critical component of long-term care health management.
Understanding COVID-19 and Flu Treatments
Testing is vital for controlling the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu. Early detection helps protect not only individuals but also the entire long-term care facility.
For residents who test positive, connecting with a healthcare provider is essential. Treatments are available, especially for those at higher risk of severe illness, and can significantly reduce the chances of hospitalization and serious outcomes. Don’t delay – treatment should ideally start within 5 days of symptom onset.
Use the COVID-19 and Flu Treatments Locator to find locations offering medications. These medications require a prescription and may be available at locations not listed on the locator.
Patient Assistance Programs for Treatments
Financial barriers to accessing COVID-19 treatments are addressed through Patient Assistance Programs (PAP). These programs help eligible patients obtain necessary medications at reduced or no cost.
| Paxlovid | Lagevrio | Veklury |
|---|---|---|
| Paxcess Patient Support Program Paxlovid | HHS/ASPR (877) 219-7225 |
Merck Patient Assistance Program Lagevrio | HHS/ASPR (800)727-5400 |
Gilead’s Advancing Access Program Veklury | HHS/ASPR (800) 266-2056 |
Infection Control and Prevention
Effective infection control is paramount in preventing disease spread. Utilize our Infection Control and Prevention webpage for best practices and resources.
Long-Term Care Pharmacy Services
For pharmacies providing long-term care services in Pierce County, including medication dispensing, vaccines, and medical supplies, download this list. Services and availability may vary, so contact pharmacies directly for details.
Additional Resources for Long-Term Care
Explore these resources for broader support and administration information.
Prepare for Emergencies Beyond Health Crises
Long-term care facilities must be prepared for all types of emergencies.
Emergency Preparedness Information
For general emergency preparedness support, connect with local emergency managers and state agencies by calling (253) 649-1500.
For guidance on requesting EMS and setting up emergency notification systems, please contact us for further assistance.
This long term care tool kit aims to centralize critical resources, promoting better health management and emergency readiness in long-term care facilities. Use these resources to enhance the well-being and safety of your residents and staff. For further questions, email [email protected] or call (253) 649-1412.
