Welcome to the concluding part of our Nursing Home, Long Term Care, and Senior Health video series. In this installment, we delve into the profound impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes, shedding light on the challenges, changes, and ongoing concerns within these care facilities.
The coronavirus pandemic, commencing in spring 2020, has taken a toll on nursing homes, with over 1.73 million confirmed cases among residents and 1.70 million among staff, resulting in 168,150 resident fatalities, as reported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as of mid-September 2023.
Nursing home residents, typically elderly with multiple chronic conditions, faced heightened vulnerability, making even minor challenges significantly impactful due to compromised immune systems. The close quarters in such care settings facilitated the rapid spread of infectious diseases.
To mitigate transmission risks, visitation restrictions were implemented, intensifying feelings of isolation for residents. Facilities had to adapt operations to align with evolving regulations, creating complexities and potential liability concerns. The aftermath of the pandemic has seen an increase in depression symptoms among residents.
Lawsuits, citing negligence during the pandemic, have added pressure to nursing homes already grappling with staffing shortages. A survey revealed that 94% of nursing homes experienced staffing shortages, prompting the Biden administration to introduce reforms in September 2023, emphasizing mandated staffing levels for enhanced safety and care quality.
As of early October 2023, rising COVID-19 cases pose ongoing challenges, potentially affecting in-person visits to nursing homes. Families seeking long-term care must conduct thorough research, understanding a facility’s infection control measures and emergency response protocols.
This concludes our three-part video series on Nursing Home, Long Term Care, and Senior Health. We appreciate your engagement and encourage you to explore our holistic approach to retirement planning at Pathfinder Retirement. Navigate the complexities with confidence – take our retirement assessment quiz for personalized insights into achieving your retirement goals.