It has been a challenging eight months since COVID-19 began impacting the United States, and the end still feels distant due to insufficient governmental oversight. Numbers continue to surge nationwide, with schools, cities, and states implementing stricter restrictions, while families remain socially distanced. For many responsible adults, holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas will be celebrated over Zoom. Although the virus does not discriminate, nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable populations.
A recent report from Johns Hopkins University and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) highlights a dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases within nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This report encompasses over 14,000 such facilities, revealing a significant uptick in cases, particularly in the Midwest, where nearly half of new nursing home cases emerged during early November. The Midwest has experienced a staggering 200% rise in weekly cases since September.
This surge is not surprising; nursing homes have long been recognized as COVID hotspots, being among the first locations affected. The world is currently grappling with a second wave of the virus. However, the facilities themselves are not to blame. Tamara Lewis, a prominent expert in long-term care from the University of Chicago, notes that community transmission is a primary driver of outbreaks in nursing homes.
“Without addressing community spread, efforts to shield nursing home residents are futile,” Lewis stated.
Dr. Michael Carter, a healthcare policy professor at Harvard Medical School, concurs, emphasizing that community spread is the best indicator of case occurrences in specific settings.
The report also indicates a slight rise in COVID-related deaths in nursing homes, with around 1,400 fatalities linked to the virus last week. While this figure is lower than during the spring peak, experts warn that the increasing number of cases could lead to more deaths. Laura Smith, president of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, stated, “As COVID spreads unchecked among the general population, long-term care facilities struggle to prevent its entry due to asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic cases. Our healthcare workers are doing everything possible, but the current level of COVID nationwide severely strains our workforce, supplies, and testing capabilities.”
With Thanksgiving approaching, Smith warns that gatherings could exacerbate the situation. “People must understand that their actions not only jeopardize our nation’s most vulnerable but also lead to government lockdowns of facilities, isolating residents from their loved ones. This isolation is detrimental to their health and happiness. We urge everyone to take immediate action to slow the spread, especially during the holiday season.”
The American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living have proposed several actions Congress should take to combat the virus, including financial assistance for testing, staffing, and personal protective equipment. It remains uncertain whether Congress will prioritize these long-term care facilities in forthcoming COVID relief efforts.
What Can We Do?
Until a vaccine is widely available, slowing the spread of COVID-19 is crucial. Wearing masks consistently, following social distancing guidelines, and avoiding unnecessary travel are essential measures. Yes, it’s inconvenient and lonely, but many grandparents—yours included—will be grateful for the sacrifice.
For ongoing information about COVID-19, resources from local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization are invaluable. You can also check out this resource for further insights on related topics.
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In summary, nursing homes continue to face challenges related to COVID-19, primarily due to community spread rather than internal issues within the facilities. As we approach the holiday season, it is vital for individuals to take precautions to protect vulnerable populations and support healthcare efforts.
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