The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected residents and staff in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities (LTCFs), accounting for 6% of all cases and 38% of all Covid19 deaths nationwide. In response, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended that LTCFs have the highest priority when it comes to vaccinations. Since the initial high-profile outbreak of the virus at the Life Care Center of Kirkland, Washington, many facilities have implemented measures to contain the spread of coronavirus in LTCFs, including universal testing, widespread use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and visitor restrictions. The federal government also responded to pandemic by refocusing early routine nursing home inspections on infection control and convening a panel of experts to provide evidence-based recommendations on how to address the pandemic in nursing homes (Coronavirus Commission for Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes). Additionally, federal legislation allocated some funds to help cover the expense of PPE and testing.
Despite these measures, deaths and infections among long-term care facility residents and staff have continued to increase throughout the pandemic, largely following the national trend, underscoring the need to better understand factors that are associated with increased COVID-19 cases and deaths in LTCFs. Early data also suggests that vaccine distribution was slower than anticipated. Staff vaccination rates at some of these facilities have been relatively slow due to concerns about vaccine safety, which could lead to the continued spread of the virus in LTCFs. According to a recent survey conducted by KFF, nearly three in ten 29% of those who work in the health care settings said they would definitely or at least probably not get vaccinated. Additionally, 35% of Black adults which make up over a quarter of long-term care work force say they definitely or probably would not get vaccinated. This review of studies informs ongoing efforts to limit preventable infections and deaths in long-term care settings, and may help to identify characteristics of facilities most at risk that could be prioritized for vaccine distribution, staff education and oversight.
This issue brief summarizes the findings of 30 studies that have examined potential factors associated with COVID-19 cases and/or deaths in LTCFs. We group those factors into categories of community spread, including staff-to-patient transmission and patient transfers; facility quality and infection control; staffing levels; and other facility-level characteristics, such as ownership, location, payer mix, and the racial/ethnic composition of residents.
In Summary Personal Senior Care Homes has not had one resident contract the COVID-19 Virus! Why you ask? While other facilities are drowning in issues PSCH has remained open to families, stayed true to our mantra that residents need quality care, love, attention, the human need for touch and understanding.
We exceed in all areas! After a year of wearing mask, taking temperatures and keeping our facility open to family and close friends we wanted to share our success with you! If you or a loved one needs quality care, understanding, and a higher ratio than any of these other facilities that have drowned is COVID-19 issues Call me today for a tour. Steve Brock 513-870-9228.
This is so good to hear! I am so happy the residents at your homes have been able to see their loved ones. Such a travesty that the elderly in nursing homes have not been able to see their loved ones. Thank you for your compassion.