Why Do We Do That On Halloween? Have you ever wondered how Halloween traditions such as trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins and dressing in costumes got started? We have the answers! Why not print out this edition of LTC Connection and share it with your residents on Halloween? Why do kids trick-or-treat on Halloween? Trick-or-treating originated on All Souls' Day during the Middle Ages, when poor people in Great Britain would beg for soul cakes, described as a sweet-bread treat, and promise to pray for the donor's dead relatives in return. American children began trick-or-treating in the 1800s, but the focus was more on pranks than candy. By the 1950s, the focus had switched to costumes and family fun. Why do we carve pumpkins? The tradition of carving pumpkins began in Ireland, where turnips were hollowed out, carved into a representation of a human face and illuminated with a candle. Children commonly carried these "turnip lanterns" door to door to represent the dead when begging for soul cakes. Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, home of the pumpkin, where carvers found that the large orange fruit made for a perfect jack-o'-lantern. Why do we wear Halloween costumes? Hundreds of years ago, people believed that ghosts could come back to the earthly world on Halloween. To avoid being recognized by these ghosts when they left their homes at night, they would wear scary masks that they believed would make the ghosts mistake them for fellow spirits. The tradition has evolved over the years and now many costumes are more fun and less frightening. Does your facility have any special Halloween traditions? We'd love for you to share them with us – and your colleagues in long-term care – on our Facebook page!.

CDC Updates PPE Requirements for Ebola Patient Care The CDC recently updated its guidance on the personal protective equipment, or PPE, to be used by healthcare workers managing patients with the Ebola virus. The agency now recommends the following: An N95 respirator in combination with a surgical hood and full face shield or a PAPR with a full face shield, helmet or headpiece A disposable fluid-resistant or impermeable gown that extends to at least the mid-calf or a coverall without an integrated hood Two pairs of disposable nitrile examination gloves with extended cuffs Disposable fluid-resistant or impermeable boot covers that extend to at least mid-calf or disposable shoe covers A disposable fluid-resistant or impermeable apron that covers the torso down to the mid-calf level (this is only necessary when caring for Ebola patients who are vomiting or have diarrhea)

Additionally, the CDC noted that all healthcare workers involved in caring for Ebola patients must receive repeated training and have demonstrated competence in performing all Ebola-related infection control practices and procedures. To read the complete guidance, click here.

This 2-in-1 locking raised toilet seat has tool-free arms that can be removed or added. It is designed for individuals who have difficulty sitting down or getting up from the toilet. Additional features: 300 lb weight capacity Adds 5" to height of toilet seat Arm sleeves and receivers are made of metal Heavy-duty molded plastic construction Locking device with larger, heavy-duty "worm screw" and locking plate for a safe, secure fit Lightweight and portable Easily attaches to toilet bowl, tool-free Easy to clean Fits most toilets WARRANTY: Lifetime limited

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