Infection prevention in senior living facilities has come a long way since the onset of COVID-19, but significant risks remain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1 to 3 million healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur annually in U.S. long-term care facilities, contributing to as many as 388,000 resident deaths each year. Beyond the devastating human impact, infection outbreaks strain already limited staffing resources, increase absenteeism and turnover, and disrupt daily operations—often placing regulatory compliance at risk. The financial consequences are equally sobering. Data from the Long Term Care Community Coalition show that nursing homes nationwide incurred $566 million in penalties between 2021 and 2023, with average fines exceeding $18,000 per citation. Infection prevention performance also directly affects a facility’s rating in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Five-Star Quality Rating System, which publicly reports health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. For senior living leaders, modernizing infection control protocols is no longer optional—it is essential for resident safety, workforce stability and organizational viability. A new Staples Business whitepaper outlines four practical, evidence-based strategies senior living facilities can use to strengthen infection prevention programs while supporting compliance and operational performance. Key takeaways are outlined below. 1. Elevate housekeeping as frontline care partners Housekeeping teams play a critical role in infection prevention, yet their contributions are often undervalued. Elevating housekeeping as frontline partners reinforces consistent adherence to cleaning and disinfection protocols and promotes shared accountability across departments. These teams are uniquely positioned to identify potential infection risks…
