Infection Control Practices in Assisted Living Communities

Few states require assisted living communities (ALCs) to have an infection control plan (ICP), nor do they provide guidelines about infection control practices in ALCs or require communicable disease reporting to appropriate health agencies or even within the community itself. Most communities do not have an ICP that addresses prevention, detection, investigation, control, monitoring, or communication of an infectious outbreak. This article discusses the presentation and management of pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Clostridium difficile infection; describes common (i.e., standard) infection control practices in long-term care; and provides the most recent information and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and other sources regarding prevention and treatment of the H1N1 viral influenza. The key to prevention is education and appropriate handwashing and respiratory hygiene practices. Internet sources for up-to-date information are also provided.