As of the latest round of statistics, more than 50,000 residents of nursing homes have passed away because of COVID-19 or related illnesses. Although we all knew that the elderly would be hit harder by this pandemic than other populations would be, it is still a devastating number. It’s no secret that nursing homes have been highly impacted by this–and they continue to be hotspots of the coronavirus even with strict precautions being implemented across the country. Unfortunately, things are still really bad in a lot of locations around the country. This invisible enemy has proven to be quite difficult to fight.
COVID-19 is not the first threat to the stability of nursing homes across the country. We’ve seen illnesses break out in nursing homes and retirement communities before. Legionnaires disease and E. coli have hit nursing homes really hard in the past. During hurricanes, we’ve also seen nursing homes lose residents because of poor handling of the conditions and difficulty evacuating in a timely manner. Although COVID-19 is more widespread in its reach, it’s not the first threat that nursing homes have fought. Because of the vulnerability of the elderly, nursing homes have faced many woes over the years.
It’s always best to look for the silver lining in bad situations, right? COVID-19 is most certainly a bad situation, but that doesn’t mean that good things cannot come out of what we learn during this time. Although thousands of people have lost their lives because of the novel coronavirus, it has highlighted just how bad the situation is for a lot of senior citizens in our country. It has pointed out that a lot of nursing homes and care facilities do not have enough funding, enough trained employees, and enough regulation. COVID-19 has pointed out that the universally recognized nursing home model is flawed. A better approach to senior care is needed.
Helping to make nursing homes more transparent is a good first step here. Although most are reputable, a handful of bad eggs have made it so this is something that we should all be concerned about. Ensuring that nursing homes are doing the right things for residents is a good way to help make these homes safer. Increased transparency and accountability can help everyone live healthier.
Additionally, it is worth pointing out that nursing homes are not necessarily bad. They are often the right choice for families, especially for those families that have a senior loved one that has advanced needs. Finding the right level of care is tough–but nursing homes can often accomplish this. But this doesn’t mean that nursing homes don’t need more support. Speaking up and voicing our concerns is a good way to bring attention to this matter. Be a voice for the people that you love, regardless of what kind of care they receive. Whether it’s a nursing home or in-home care, finding the ideal care for your loved one is important. Ensuring that there are measures in place to keep them as safe and healthy as possible is just a continuation of this.
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