Nursing Home COVID-19 Cases Increase

Deaths also on the Rise

Eric Galatas/ Colorado News Connection

Haga click aquí para leer la versión en español

As the coronavirus pandemic surges across the country, new analysis from AARP shows nursing-home residents and staff still are at significant risk. Data from October through November marked increases in infection rates and deaths, along with shortages of staff and personal protection equipment (PPE).

Bob Murphy, state director for AARP Colorado, said more work and resources are needed to protect people living in congregate facilities. “Despite the best efforts of everyone, it’s getting a lot worse,” Murphy explained. “The number of resident deaths, the number of resident cases, the number of staff COVID cases; all really striking increases just in a month’s time.”

In Colorado, new COVID-19 infection rates rose to nearly eight out of every 100 nursing-home residents and staff. Death rates also increased to more than one resident death per 100 residents. Nearly a quarter of nursing homes still do not have a one-week supply of PPE, and more than a third face staffing shortages.

Health sector crisis

Murphy contended the health crisis has exposed long-standing flaws in the nation’s long-term care system, and a new AARP report offers recommendations for improvements, such as ensuring staff have health insurance, paid sick leave and competitive wages. “People in the service industry, whether they work in nursing homes or assisted-care facilities, or especially home health-care workers, they just aren’t paid enough,” Murphy concluded.

Recommendations also include creating statewide emergency response centers to rapidly identify needs and deploy resources; updating facilities to improve infection control; and addressing patient isolation, risk for depression, and their ability to interact with loved ones.

You may also like:

Colorado to vaccinate 30,000 persons before end of year

Increased Patrol on Colorado Highway to detect drivers under influence

Comcast Installs 20 Free Internet Zones to Support Education