In this week’s episode of HealthCap Weekly Wrap, we dive into the critical role of preparation in senior living with highlights from PharMerica’s disaster management webinar and HealthCap’s new 2025 Emergency Preparedness Manual. We then review the latest CDC MMWR report on measles outbreaks, Lassa fever, and gaps in tobacco cessation services in behavioral health, reminding communities to stay vigilant with infection prevention and vaccination reviews. Compliance updates take center stage as we break down CMS’s revised CLIA guidance on lab testing for organ and tissue donations, before shifting to groundbreaking research from the Diabetic Foot Consortium showing how transepidermal water loss can predict diabetic foot ulcer recurrence. We also explore the Alzheimer’s Association’s new My ALZ Journey app, a free digital companion for individuals newly diagnosed with dementia and their care partners, and examine a cutting-edge bioluminescent test from Nature Biomedical Engineering that detects viral antigens in minutes without external power. We close on a practical, resident-centered note with the COE-NF Comfort Menu, a simple tool that empowers residents to choose non-medication comfort strategies.

From regulatory updates to innovative research and everyday resident care, this episode brings together stories that matter for senior living communities.

In this week’s episode of HealthCap Weekly Wrap, we explore the NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant, nicknamed “Nimbus,” and what senior living teams should watch for. We break down PALTmed’s latest Choosing Wisely recommendations and highlight a successful deprescribing initiative in New York that reduced polypharmacy risks. We also spotlight an inspiring collaboration in Pennsylvania connecting nursing schools with nursing homes to promote Age-Friendly care, and review MedPAC’s proposed overhaul of the Five-Star Quality Rating System. A new study on using structured huddles to address unprofessional staff behavior shows promising results, and we close with CMS’s latest fraud prevention efforts, including phishing scam alerts every community should know about. Packed with insights and takeaways, this episode is designed to help senior living professionals lead with clarity, safety, and compassion.

In this episode of HealthCap Weekly Wrap, we highlight key developments shaping senior living today. We explore PointClickCare’s new digital move-in tool, “Senior Sign,” which simplifies admissions and frees staff to focus on resident connection. We also break down a practical three-step dementia diagnosis framework for primary care, along with a bipartisan bill supporting caregivers balancing elder and child care. Clinically, we examine the INSPIRE-3 study on reducing unnecessary antibiotics, and raise concerns about opaque AI tools like NarxCare influencing medical decisions. Plus, we dive into Mather Institute’s Social Wellness Framework and discuss the implications of CMS removing focused infection control surveys from routine inspections.

For more details and full article links, visit Angie’s blog at healthcapusa.com/angies-blog.