Since the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, advocating for your loved one in a nursing home has become more critical and complex than ever. Both residents and staff in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 outbreaks. In fact, during the first year of the pandemic, the Kaiser Family Foundation ( KFF ) reports those in long-term care facilities accounted for thirty-one percent of all US COVID-19 deaths as of June 30, 2021.
The Omicron variant is the latest viral iteration, and it is highly transmissible though it appears to be less virulent than its predecessor, the Delta variant. It seems COVID-19 in its many strains will linger for some time to come, disproportionately affecting the vulnerable. If you have a loved one in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, AARP has identified some specific questions to ask about the facility to help ensure the safety of your loved one.
Inquire what the status of COVID-19 vaccinations are in the facility:
Ask if anyone at the facility has tested COVID-19 positive in the past two weeks:
What steps is the facility taking to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks?:
Is there sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff, such as masks, face shields, gowns, gloves, and hand sanitizer?
How is the nursing home helping residents stay in contact with their families and other loved ones?
How does the facility regularly communicate important information to residents and their loved ones?
Is the nursing home fully staffed with doctors, nurses, aides, and other workers?
How is the maintenance of healthy-living programs?
If you have an older spouse, parent, sibling, or other loved one who is a resident in a nursing home, they depend on you to advocate for their protection and well-being. To nurture their best outcomes, it is incumbent on you to ask the right questions ensuring their residential facility is at its operational best to combat issues presented by COVID-19. And as always, if you have any questions we can answer, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.
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