Geriatric Long-term Care Facilities Research Articles

Potential determinants of the quantity and duration of COVID-19 outbreaks in geriatric long-term care facilities

BackgroundWe analyzed potential factors for the number and duration of COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes based on routine and structural data.MethodsAll outbreaks during 03/2020-01/2022 in N = 687 of a total of 879 geriatric long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in the Federal State of Hesse, Germany were analyzed using t-tests and logistic regressions in a retrospective cohort study.ResultsLarger LTCFs have more (+ 1.57, p = .009) and longer outbreaks (+ 10.04 days, p > .001). A higher proportion of registered nurses reduces the number (-0.1, p = .036) and duration (-6.02 days, p > .001) of outbreaks. Single-bed rooms provide less duration of outbreaks (-4.5, p = .004). A higher proportion of infected residents (+ 24.26 days, p < .001) and staff (+ 22.98 days, p < .001) prolong outbreaks the most. LTCFs in areas with intermediate population density have an increased risk of prolonged outbreaks (OR: 1.537, p = .036).ConclusionsTo prevent outbreaks and shorten their duration, LTCFs should increase the proportion of registered nurses and single-bed rooms, and control staff infections.

Distribution of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Genes and Antimicrobial Susceptibility among Residents in Geriatric Long-Term Care Facilities in Japan

A high prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE) may call for monitoring in geriatric long-term care facilities (g-LTCFs). We surveyed the distribution of ESBL-causative gene types and antimicrobial susceptibility in ESBL-PE strains from residents in g-LTCFs, and investigated the association between ESBL-causative gene types and antimicrobial susceptibility. First, we analyzed the types of ESBL-causative genes obtained from 141 ESBL-PE strains collected from the feces of residents in four Japanese g-LTCFs. Next, we determined the minimum inhibitory concentration values for alternative antimicrobial agents against ESBL-PE, including β-lactams and non-β-lactams. Escherichia coli accounted for 96% of the total ESBL-PE strains. Most strains (94%) contained blaCTX-M group genes. The genes most commonly underlying resistance were of the blaCTX-M-9 and blaCTX-M-1 groups. Little difference was found in the distribution of ESBL-causative genes among the facilities; however, antimicrobial susceptibility differed widely among the facilities. No specific difference was found between antimicrobial susceptibility and the number of ESBL-causative genes. Our data showed that ESBL-PEs were susceptible to some antimicrobial agents, but the susceptibility largely differed among facilities. These findings suggest that each g-LTCF may require specific treatment strategies based on their own antibiogram. Investigations into drug resistance should be performed in g-LTCFs as well as acute medical facilities.

Prolonged carriage of ESBL-producing enterobacterales and potential cross-transmission among residents in geriatric long-term care facilities

Previous studies indicated residents in geriatric long-term care facilities (LTCFs) had much higher prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) carriage than the general population. Most ESBL-E carriers are asymptomatic. The study tested the hypothesis that residents with ESBL-E carriage may accumulate inside geriatric LTCFs through potential cross-transmission after exposure to residents with prolonged ESBL-E carriage. 260 residents from four Japanese LTCFs underwent ESBL-E testing of fecal specimens and were divided into two cohorts: Cohort 1,75 patients with ≥ 2 months residence at study onset; Cohort 2, 185 patients with < 2 months residence at study onset or new admission during the study period. Three analyses were performed: (1) ESBL-E carriage statuses in Cohort 1 and Cohort 2; (2) changes in ESBL-E carriage statuses 3–12 months after the first testing and ≥ 12 months after the second testing; and (3) lengths of positive ESBL-E carriage statuses. Compared with the residents in Cohort 1, a significantly larger proportion of residents in Cohort 2 were positive for ESBL-E carriage (28.0% in Cohort 1 vs 40.0% in Cohort 2). In the subsequent testing results, 18.3% of residents who were negative in the first testing showed positive conversion to ESBL-E carriage in the second testing, while no patients who were negative in the second testing showed positive conversion in the third testing. The maximum length of ESBL-E carriage was 17 months. The findings indicated that some residents acquired ESBL-E through potential cross-transmission inside the LTCFs after short-term residence. However, no residents showed positive conversion after long-term residence, which indicates that residents with ESBL-E carriage may not accumulate inside LTCFs. Practical infection control and prevention measures could improve the ESBL-E prevalence in geriatric LTCFs.

Influenza Outbreak and a Group Meal in a Geriatric Long-term Care Facility in Japan.

Influenza outbreaks at geriatric long-term care facilities (g-LTCFs) can be deadly and their prevention is important. However, the factors influencing disease transmission in g-LTCFs remain controversial. In this descriptive study, we tried to identify the potential risk factors influencing influenza outbreaks that occurred in different influenza seasons within a single g-LTCF with 100 residents in Gunma Prefecture. We reviewed the detailed facility records for all influenza cases in both residents and staff between January 2012 and June 2020. Facility preventive measures were also reviewed. We found that community meals may have been a potential source of transmission leading to the outbreaks. When influenza infection is noted, implementation of strict preventive measures and restriction of meal provision to resident rooms may help to prevent disease transmission and the development of an outbreak. Such measures may also be useful to prevent the transmission of other serious droplet-borne diseases within g-LTCFs.

Relação entre capacidade funcional, estado nutricional e variáveis sociodemográficas de idosos institucionalizados

Abstract Objective To analyze the relationship between functional capacity, nutritional status, and sociodemographic variables of older adults living in long-term care facilities. Method This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 82 institutionalized older adults. For data collection, we used the Barthel Index to assess the degree of independence in the performance of basic activities of daily living and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) to assess the nutritional status of older adults. Data were collected in five geriatric long-term care facilities located in southern Brazil. Ordinal regression analyses were performed to identify associations between contextual social factors, and nutritional status with the functional capacity of institutionalized older adults. Results Most participants showed complete independence in performing activities of daily living (39.0%) and poor nutritional status (59.8%). The multivariate ordinal regression analysis showed that older adults with higher scores in the nutritional assessment are associated with better indicators of functional capacity (OR=1.33; 95% CI=1.15 to 1.54; p&lt;0.001). We did not find an association between educational level, pressure injuries, body mass index, and functionality. Conclusion Nutritional status is a significant predictor for dependency in institutionalized older adults.

Association between length of residence and prevalence of MRSA colonization among residents in geriatric long-term care facilities

BackgroundA high prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization has been reported among residents in geriatric long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Some studies indicate that MRSA might be imported from hospitals into LTCFs via resident transfer; however, other studies report that high MRSA prevalence might be caused by cross-transmission inside LTCFs. We aimed to assess which factors have a large impact on the high MRSA prevalence among residents of geriatric LTCFs.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study among 260 residents of four geriatric LTCFs in Japan. Dividing participants into two cohorts, we separately analyzed (1) the association between prevalence of MRSA carriage and length of LTCF residence (Cohort 1: n = 204), and (2) proportion of residents identified as MRSA negative who were initially tested at admission but subsequently identified as positive in secondary testing performed at ≥2 months after their initial test (Cohort 2: n = 79).ResultsAmong 204 residents in Cohort 1, 20 (9.8%) were identified as positive for MRSA. Compared with residents identified as MRSA negative, a larger proportion of MRSA-positive residents had shorter periods of residence from the initial admission (median length of residence: 5.5 vs. 2.8 months), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.084). Among 79 residents in Cohort 2, 60 (75.9%) were identified as MRSA negative at the initial testing. Of these 60 residents, only one (1.7%) had subsequent positive conversion in secondary MRSA testing. In contrast, among 19 residents identified as MRSA positive in the initial testing, 10 (52.6%) were negative in secondary testing.ConclusionsThe prevalence of MRSA was lower among residents with longer periods of LTCF residence than among those with shorter periods. Furthermore, few residents were found to become MRSA carrier after their initial admission. These findings highlight that MRSA in LTCFs might be associated with resident transfer rather than spread via cross-transmission inside LTCFs.

Percepção de estagiários da área da saúde e trabalhadores de Instituições de Longa Permanência de Idosos sobre a institucionalização

Introdução: Com o progressivo aumento do envelhecimento da população, a institucionalização cresce, especialmente por, na maioria das vezes, ser a única opção de moradia e cuidado para idosos e/ou seus familiares. As concepções dos profissionais que atuam nas instituições repercutem em seus comportamentos e formas de atender/cuidar em saúde. Objetivo: Identificar a percepção de estagiários da área da saúde e trabalhadores de Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI) sobre a institucionalização. Métodos: Estudo quali-quantitativo através de questionário preenchido pelos estagiários e trabalhadores da ILPI. Dados interpretados a partir da análise descritiva dos dados e análise de conteúdo. Resultados: 40 indivíduos participaram da pesquisa, sendo 65% estagiários da saúde e 35% trabalhadores. Quanto aos aspectos positivos da institucionalização, surgiram duas categorias: assistência emocional (apoio e segurança, carinho e socialização entre os idosos) e assistência física (cuidados especializados e acessibilidade). Quanto aos aspectos negativos, surgiram três categorias: distanciamento do mundo exterior (afastamento da família, de bens materiais e isolamento social), regras impostas: rotina da instituição, falta de privacidade/liberdade e ausência de lazer; cuidado profissional: falta de especialidades e despreparo de profissionais. Quando questionados se morariam em uma ILPI na velhice, 22 afirmaram que sim. Conclusão: Surge a necessidade do seguimento do estudo, sugerindo-se estratégias capazes de minimizar os aspectos negativos da institucionalização nesta ILPI, detectados pela amostra, e maximizar/melhorar os aspectos positivos. É papel dos trabalhadores aprimorarem-se continuamente para melhorar as condições de funcionamento das instituições em que trabalham.

Predictors of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: Based on the Model of Multi-Dimensional Behavior

The purpose of this study was to identify factors predicting behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in persons with dementia. Factors including the patient, caregiver, and environment based on the multi-dimensional behavioral model were tested. The subjects of the study were 139 pairs of persons with dementia and their caregivers selected from four geriatric long-term care facilities located in S city, G province, Korea. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, inverse normal transformations, Pearson correlation coefficients, Spearman's correlation coefficients and hierarchical multiple regression with the SPSS Statistics 22.0 for Windows program. Mean score for BPSD was 40.16. Depression (β=.42, p<.001), exposure to noise in the evening noise (β=-.20, p=.014), and gender (β=.17, p=.042) were factors predicting BPSD in long-term care facilities, which explained 25.2% of the variance in the model. To decrease BPSD in persons with dementia, integrated nursing interventions should consider factors of the patient, caregiver, and environment.

Undergraduate Placements in Geriatric Care Facilities: Students Gaining Experience With Challenging/Responsive Behaviors.

Undergraduate nursing students may experience challenging behaviors in residents during their clinical placement in geriatric long-term care (GLTC) facilities. Bachelor of Nursing students participated in an anonymous online questionnaire (n = 116). The students witnessed a wide range of challenging behaviors, also referred to as responsive behaviors, in GLTC residents. The most frequent behaviors included agitation/restlessness, repetitive talk, and wandering. Although behaviors such as physical aggression and disinhibited sexual behavior were experienced less frequently, students found these behaviors the most distressing. Students felt ill-prepared to manage these behaviors, which was associated with higher levels of distress. The students demonstrated good theoretical knowledge about responsive behaviors, but the lack of personal experience in managing such behaviors left the students feeling ill-prepared and distressed. Incorporating the opportunity to experience behaviors in a supported environment, such as in simulation, could reduce student distress and increase their sense of competency. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(10):623-627.].

Relationship between the presence of baccalaureate-educated RNs and quality of care: a cross-sectional study in Dutch long-term care facilities

BackgroundRecent evidence suggests that an increase in baccalaureate-educated registered nurses (BRNs) leads to better quality of care in hospitals. For geriatric long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, this relationship is less clear. Most studies assessing the relationship between nurse staffing and quality of care in long-term care facilities are US-based, and only a few have focused on the unique contribution of registered nurses. In this study, we focus on BRNs, as they are expected to serve as role models and change agents, while little is known about their unique contribution to quality of care in long-term care facilities.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among 282 wards and 6,145 residents from 95 Dutch long-term care facilities. The relationship between the presence of BRNs in wards and quality of care was assessed, controlling for background characteristics, i.e. ward size, and residents’ age, gender, length of stay, comorbidities, and care dependency status. Multilevel logistic regression analyses, using a generalized estimating equation approach, were performed.Results57% of the wards employed BRNs. In these wards, the BRNs delivered on average 4.8 min of care per resident per day. Among residents living in somatic wards that employed BRNs, the probability of experiencing a fall (odds ratio 1.44; 95% CI 1.06-1.96) and receiving antipsychotic drugs (odds ratio 2.15; 95% CI 1.66-2.78) was higher, whereas the probability of having an indwelling urinary catheter was lower (odds ratio 0.70; 95% CI 0.53-0.91). Among residents living in psychogeriatric wards that employed BRNs, the probability of experiencing a medication incident was lower (odds ratio 0.68; 95% CI 0.49-0.95). For residents from both ward types, the probability of suffering from nosocomial pressure ulcers did not significantly differ for residents in wards employing BRNs.ConclusionsIn wards that employed BRNs, their mean amount of time spent per resident was low, while quality of care on most wards was acceptable. No consistent evidence was found for a relationship between the presence of BRNs in wards and quality of care outcomes, controlling for background characteristics. Future studies should consider the mediating and moderating role of staffing-related work processes and ward environment characteristics on quality of care.

Staff perceptions of barriers to physical restraint-reduction in long-term care: a meta-synthesis.

To critically review the existing qualitative studies to identify, from the perspective of staff, the barriers to physical restraint reduction in long-term geriatric care facilities. Despite the adverse physical and psychosocial effects, physical restraints are still used frequently in many geriatric long-term care facilities around the world. There is, however, no study that synthesises the existing qualitative literature regarding the barriers to the restraint reduction from the perspective of facility staff. The metastudy research process guided this qualitative synthesis. Five electronic databases were searched, and ten studies were included in this metastudy. Five themes were identified through metasynthesis of the findings: concern about and responsibility for safety, unclear and inconsistent definitions of restraint and restraint-free care, difficulties in the transition from acceptance to removal, noninvolvement in decision-making to remove restraint and insufficient resources and education. A concept analysis of physical restraint is sorely needed, and future studies should explore the prevalence of restraint, the effects of education for staff and family on restraint reduction, and success stories related to restraint-free care. More research is needed regarding the restraint reduction effectiveness and cost issues. Physical restraints, commonly used in many geriatric long-term care facilities, result in many negative effects and ethical issues. To achieve success in reducing physical restraint use, governmental policies and long-term care institutions should underpin staff efforts with legal, educational and practical support.

Capacidade funcional de idosos institucionalizados: revisão integrativa

O envelhecimento é um processo universal e multifatorial que acontece em um contexto de grandes mudanças, principalmente na configuração dos arranjos familiares, com repercussão na busca por Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPIs). O sedentarismo é um fator marcante nas ILPIs, levando idosos rapidamente ao estado de dependência e incapacidade funcional. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a produção científica a respeito de fatores relacionados à capacidade funcional de idosos residentes de ILPIs, por meio de artigos indexados nas bases de dados eletrônicas LILACS e SciELO, no período compreendido entre 2010 e 2014. Foram selecionados 11 artigos. Foi observado que os estudos tendem a ser descritivos e transversais, sendo que apenas um artigo teve intervenção com a prática de atividade física. Outro fator notório foi a presença de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, bem como a predominância do sexo feminino. Os estudos relatam também um menor desempenho cognitivo e uma aptidão funcional baixa, alta incidência de quedas, dependência nas atividades de vida diária e aumento de peso. A intervenção com equipe multidisciplinar é indispensável para a melhoria e manutenção da capacidade funcional e independência de idosos institucionalizados. Destaca-se a necessidade de desenvolvimento de novos estudos e produções científicas com essa temática, uma vez que a população idosa no Brasil deve continuar aumentando e, consequentemente, tende a crescer também o número de institucionalizações.

Predictors of Depression among Older Adults in Long-term Care Facilities

Purpose: Although it is known that depression is highly prevalent in institutionalized older adults, little is known about its predictors in long-term care facility in Korea. The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of depression among institutionalized older adults. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of a large data set which was used in a cross-sectional research method conducted in seven geriatric long-term care facilities located in Seoul, Kyunggi-do, and Kangwon-do, Korea. The participants were 305 older adults over 65 years old. Data were collected during November and December, 2011, using structured questionnaires which included general characteristics, cognitive function, and depression. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and logistic regression. Results: Mean age of the participants was 80.38±7.14 and 38.7% of the participants presented symptoms of depression; 24.3% showed minor depression and 14.4% showed probable major depression. Depressive symptoms were related to insomnia, delirium/confusion, bad eyesight, bad communication, and limb impairment. Insomnia (OR=5.94; 95% CI=3.31~10.64) and delirium/confusion (OR=4.77; 95% CI=2.24~10.20) were the significant predictors of depression among institutionalized older adults. Conclusion: Nursing interventions should be developed considering the factors of insomnia and delirium/confusion to decrease depression in this population. 주요어: ë ¸ì¸, ë ¸ì¸ìš”ì–‘ì‹œì„¤, 우울 Key Words: Aged, Residential facilities, Depression

A Study on the Geographical Distribution for Geriatric Hospitals and Long-term Care Facilities in Korea

A Study on the Geographical Distribution for Geriatric Hospitals and Long-term Care Facilities in Korea

Ocorrência de quedas e seu contexto num seguimento de dois anos em idosos institucionalizados

The objective of this study was to identify, among institutionalized elders, the occurrence of falls and the characterization of their context. This descriptive-exploratory study, using a quantitative approach, was performed in five geriatric long-term care facilities in Goiânia (Goiás state). A questionnaire was utilized which addressed information regarding the occurrence of falls in the 2005 to2007 follow-up and their context. The participants were 59 elderly individuals who met the selection criteria. The results showed a 54.2% prevalence of falls during the studied period. Regarding the context, falls occurred mainly during the day, outdoors, while walking, on dry pavement, due to tripping on/over an object or surface, and while wearing slippers. The results provide information regarding the circumstances surrounding falls that can help to make their prevention a priority for the local population, including addressing inadequacies in the environment and the use of appropriate footwear in order to prevent falls. Descriptors: Aged; Homes for the Aged; Accidental Falls; Environment.

高齢者終末期における人工栄養に関する調査

To clarify the clinical features of terminally ill patients in our hospital and elucidate the implications of administering artificial nutrition. Between April 2004 and March 2005, we assessed 155 patients who died in Nishimaruyama Hospital--a geriatric long-term care facility in Sapporo. We analyzed their clinical backgrounds on admission, the clinical course up to the terminal stage of the illness, and the outcome of patients who received artificial nutrition. In 95 patients, the main cause of the terminal illness was infection. The symptoms of these patients, such as cerebral infarction and cognitive dysfunction, deteriorated progressively, and eventually, eating became difficult. At this point, alternative methods for providing nutrition were discussed. For 60 patients (41 died of acute disease and 19, of advanced cancers), artificial nutrition was not considered. Artificial nutrition was administered to 63 patients; tube feeding was carried out in 30 patients. Because of repeated aspiration pneumonia, 14 of these 30 patients eventually underwent intravenous hyperalimentation (IVH). Thirty-three patients directly underwent IVH. Thirty-two patients did not undergo any feeding course. The mean survival times of the tube feeding and non-artificial nutrition groups were 827 and 60 days, respectively. The difference in the survival times was statistically significant. The outcome of patients who were placed on tube feeding was good. This may be because we selected those patients considered most suitable for tube feeding or IVH. The criteria that were used to select an appropriate method for providing nutrition varied, although the patients in our hospital requested palliative care.

Outbreak of Scabies at Geriatric Long-Term Care Facilities in Korea

Outbreak of Scabies at Geriatric Long-Term Care Facilities in Korea

Water and sodium disturbances predict prognosis of acute disease in long term cared frail elderly

Elderly patients are at increased risk for developing infections and fever. We aimed to investigate the incidence, causes and outcome of hypernatemia and hyponatremia among elderly long-term care patients with febrile illness. This is a prospective study conducted in a 110 beds, nursing department for dependent elderly in geriatric long-term care facility during 20 months period. Changes in plasma sodium concentrations were found in 48% (132/270) of the febrile illness: during the acute illness in 38% (102/270) of the events and during the follow-up period after acute febrile event, in 30% (59/198) of the events. Upper respiratory tract, bronchial, lung, and urinary tract infections were the most common causes for the fever. Hypernatremia was more prevalent on acute febrile illness (63%). Hyponatremia was more common before the febrile illness (10%) and during the follow-up period (69%). The most common causes of hypernatremia were inadequate hydration or correction (57%) and continuous diuretic treatment (38%). The most common causes of hyponatremia were: Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH) (38%), incorrect hydration (19%), and continuous diuretic treatment (30%). During the study, 60% (28/47) of the patients died, and hypernatremia was detected in 82% (20/28). Disturbances in sodium concentrations were predictors of bad outcomes, related to the underlying diseases burden, and were not related to the magnitude of the changes in plasma sodium, time of its development, advanced age, gender and coexisting changes in plasma potassium level.

Use of Subjective Global Assessment to Identify Nutrition-Associated Complications and Death in Geriatric Long-Term Care Facility Residents

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess the use of Subjective Global Assessment to identify nutrition-associated complications and death in a geriatric population. A secondary objective was to evaluate the ability of Subjective Global Assessment to identify geriatric residents of long-term care facilities who were undernourished or at risk for developing undernutrition.Methods: Fifty-three consecutive residents who were ≥ 65 years of age and had been residing in a long-term care facility for < 2 weeks were enrolled in the study. The Subjective Global Assessment Classification technique was performed according to the procedure outlined by Detsky and colleagues. Residents were classified as well-nourished (A), mild/moderately undernourished (B) or severely undernourished (C). In addition, a Subjective Global Assessment Composite Score was derived. Subjective Global Assessment measures were compared with two traditional objective measurements of nutritional status: serum albumin and serum total cholesterol. Outcome measurements of nutrition-associated complications were determined over a 3-month period by recording the incidence of major infections, decubitus ulcers, nutrition-related hospital readmissions, and mortality.Results: Sixteen residents (30.2%) were categorized as Subjective Global Assessment class A, 28 residents (52.8%) were class B, and 9 residents (17%) were class C. A significant association was found between nutritional status as determined by Subjective Global Assessment Composite Score and nutrition-associated complications (p<0.05). Subjective Global Assessment Classification was related to death (p<0.05) with severely undernourished residents having the highest mortality rate. Hypoalbuminemia only demonstrated a significant relationship with nutrition-associated complications (p<0.05), whereas hypocholesterolemia was associated with death (p<0.05).Conclusions: Subjective Global Assessment of nutritional status appears to be a simple, noninvasive and cost-effective tool for assessing nutritional status of geriatric residents in long-term care facilities. This assessment tool is also beneficial for identifying patients with increased risk of nutrition-associated complications as well as death.

An outbreak of acute gastroenteritis in a geriatric long-term-care facility: combined application of epidemiological and molecular diagnostic methods.

To assess possible transmission modes of, and risk factors for, gastroenteritis associated with Norwalk-like viruses (NLVs) in a geriatric long-term-care facility. During a prolonged outbreak of acute gastroenteritis, epidemiological data on illness among residents and employees were collected in conjunction with stool, vomitus, and environmental specimens for viral testing. NLVs were identified by electron microscopy in stool and vomitus specimens, and further characterized by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and nucleotide sequencing. Potential risk factors were examined through medical-record review, personal interview, and a self-administered questionnaire sent to all employees. During the outbreak period, 52 (57%) of 91 residents and 34 (35%) of 90 employees developed acute gastroenteritis. Four case-residents were hospitalized; three residents died at the facility shortly after onset of illness. A point source was not identified; no association between food or water consumption and gastroenteritis was identified. A single NLV strain genetically related to Toronto virus was the only pathogen identified. Residents were at significantly higher risk of gastroenteritis if they were physically debilitated (relative risk [RR], 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI95], 1.0-12.9), as were employees exposed to residents with acute gastroenteritis (RR, 2.6; CI95, 1.1-6.5) or ill household members (RR, 2.3; CI95, 1.4-3.6). Adherence to infection control measures among the nursing staff may have reduced the risk of gastroenteritis, but the reduction did not reach statistical significance. In the absence of evidence for food-borne or waterborne transmission, NLVs likely spread among residents and employees of a long-term-care facility through person-to-person or airborne droplet transmission. Rapid notification of local health officials, collection of clinical specimens, and institution of infection control measures are necessary if viral gastroenteritis transmission is to be limited in institutional settings.