Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities Account for 42% of COVID-19 Deaths
Based on a new analysis of state-by-state COVID-19 fatality reports, it is clear that the most underappreciated aspect of the novel coronavirus pandemic is its effect on a specific population of Americans: those living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 affects the elderly far more severely, on average, than younger individuals. But it turns out that among those who are elderly, deaths are concentrated even further among those living in long term care facilities. This has implications for both those who live in such facilities and those who don’t.
Five categories of long-term care providers
There are five core categories of long-term care providers, of which two are our focus: nursing homes and residential care communities.
Nursing homes. Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities or SNFs, include 24-hour supervision, nursing care, three meals a day, and assistance with activities of daily living. Nursing home residents are usually people with long-term physical, medical, or mental conditions requiring 24-hour supervision, but can also include patients recently discharged from a hospital who need such care temporarily.
Assisted living facilities. Assisted living facilities, sometimes called residential care homes or personal care homes, are similar to nursing homes, but for individuals who don’t require full-time medical care on-site. They offer meals and assistance with activities of daily living.
Adult day service centers. Adult day service centers, sometimes called adult day care, are usually only open during normal business hours, and offer a lighter menu of services for those needing some assistance.
Home health care. Home health care, often delivered through agencies, offer services similar to those of nursing homes but in an individual’s home.
Hospices. Hospices are long-term care facilities for those with terminal illnesses (e.g., those with 6 months or less to live).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5.1 million people live in nursing homes or residential care facilities, representing 1.6% of the U.S. population. And yet residents in such facilities account for 42 percent of all deaths from COVID-19, for states that report such statistics.AND THEN THERE'S THIS:
FOX Forecaster Janice Dean RIPS Cuomo After Losing Her In-Laws to COVID-19 — And NY State Lying About the Nursing Home Status (VIDEO)
AND THIS:
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