Keeping Our Residents Safe, Healthy, and Strong
October 2026
Infection Control
Residents of skilled nursing facilities are at increased risk for infections because of age-related changes in the immune system, chronic medical conditions, close living environments, and frequent healthcare interactions. Research estimates that millions of infections occur annually in long-term care settings, making infection prevention one of the most important aspects of resident care.
At Cassena Care’s skilled nursing facilities, resident safety is at the heart of everything we do, and our infection prevention program follows recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and focuses on reducing illness, preventing outbreaks and promoting resident safety.
Hand Hygiene: The Simplest Way to Stop Germs
Scientific studies consistently show that proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that effective hand hygiene programs can prevent up to 50% of avoidable healthcare-related infections.
To help keep residents safe, our staff perform hand hygiene:
- Before and after resident care
- Before handling food or medications
- After removing gloves
- After contact with potentially contaminated surfaces
Residents and visitors can also play an important role by washing their hands regularly and utilizing hand sanitizer stations located throughout the facility.
Remember: Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Cold, Flu and Respiratory Illness Prevention
Respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV continue to be significant health concerns in nursing homes. Because many residents have underlying medical conditions, these infections can result in serious complications and hospitalization.
The best protection comes from a combination of preventive measures: covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, dispose of tissues immediately, perform hand hygiene afterward, get your annual flu vaccine and stay home if you are feeling sick.
Environmental Cleaning Matters:
A clean environment is another essential component of infection prevention. Germs can survive on surfaces and for this reason, high-touch areas such as handrails, doorknobs, and shared equipment require regular cleaning. Our environmental services and nursing teams work together to:
- Routinely clean resident care areas
- Disinfect shared equipment and common spaces
- Follow CDC-recommended cleaning and disinfection practices
You are Part of the Team: Family members and visitors play an important role in protecting their loved ones and the entire facility community.
When visiting, please remember to:
- Perform hand hygiene when entering and leaving the facility
- Follow posted infection-control precautions
- Avoid visiting if you feel ill
- Notify staff if you develop symptoms shortly after a visit
Together We Make a Difference
At Cassena Care, every sanitized hand, every cleaned surface, and every preventive action reflects our commitment to resident safety. Together, we can continue to protect our community and ensure that our residents remain safe, healthy, and strong.
Together in Pink: Honoring Strength, Hope and Courage
West Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Cassena Care recognizes the strength of survivors, the dedication of caregivers, and the importance of early detection. We proudly support the ongoing fight against breast cancer and the individuals and families impacted by this disease. West Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Manhattan dedicated time this month to celebrate Breast Cancer awareness month with the residents and staff. Together, they wore pink and reflected on the power of hope, compassion, and community in the fight against breast cancer.
