Long-Term Care

Don’t let the bed bugs bite: Proactive prevention

PPS Alert for Long-Term Care, January 1, 2011

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You’ve probably seen stories about these pests on the evening news or read about them online or in your local paper. In recent months, the United States has found itself in the middle of a bed bug resurgence, and no one is sure why.

The problem is most common in hotels. With a high turnover rate and occasionally less-than-stellar cleaning practices, bed bugs have been able to thrive in lodging locations nationwide. Homeless shelters have also been known as bed bug hot spots. But what are the chances of these apple seed–sized, flightless insects popping up in nursing homes and wreaking havoc among SNF residents?

Although infestations in nursing homes have been uncommon, they’re not out of the question, according to Libby Chinnes, a consultant for IC Solutions, LLC, in Mt. Pleasant, SC. “There’s not so much high turnover in nursing homes, but I feel like if it got started there that it could spread just like anywhere else,” Chinnes says.

This is an excerpt from a member only article. To read the article in its entirety, please login or subscribe to PPS Alert for Long-Term Care.

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