What is the primary focus of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in long-term care?

The primary focus of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in long-term care is to prevent and control infectious diseases within facilities. This emphasis is vital because residents in long-term care settings often have weaker immune systems and are at a higher risk for infections due to age, chronic health conditions, and close living quarters.

The CDC offers guidelines, resources, and support to help facilities implement infection prevention and control measures, including vaccination programs, hygiene practices, and outbreak response strategies. This focus is particularly relevant in light of public health challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where controlling the spread of infectious diseases is crucial to protecting vulnerable populations in long-term care.

In contrast, while other options may touch on important elements of care, they do not represent the CDC's primary responsibilities. Grant provision for facility improvements, management of staff recruitment, and oversight of financial audits are not central to the CDC's mission in the context of long-term care. Instead, such elements typically fall under the purview of other agencies or internal facility management strategies.