|
New Podcast Episode with CDC Expert on Respiratory Season in Nursing Homes
 During this time of year, nursing homes can expect to see an increase in people visiting their loved ones. This increase puts everyone at a higher risk of catching a cold or respiratory illnesses. Join us for a conversation as we dive into the latest CDC guidance on respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, for nursing home residents.
In the most recent episode of the Pursuing Quality Long-Term Care podcast, we are joined by Dr. Erika Wallender from the CDC, and Lori Walsh, Consumer Voice Policy and Program Specialist, to discuss practical steps in reducing infection risks and best practices for staying safe during this upcoming respiratory season. We also remind residents and their families of their rights and protections while navigating life in a nursing home.
Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, YouTube, Facebook, or our website.
|
|
Documentary on Long-Term Care Advocacy Wins Gold Anthem Award
 Congratulations to the documentary film, No Country for Old People, for winning a Gold Anthem Award for the Health Awareness category. The Anthem Awards "celebrate purpose and mission driven work." Congratulations to the filmmakers, and Consumer Voice partners, Susie Singer Carter and Rick Mountcastle.
The film still needs your help in funding post-production costs like insurance and music licensing. Make a donation to support this important film.
|
|
Study Shows Mortality Rate for Nursing Home Residents Higher Than Pre-Pandemic Levels Through 2023
A recent article in the Heath Affairs Scholar found that mortality rates among nursing home residents remained above pre-pandemic levels through the end of 2023. While COVID-19 was the significant driver of increased mortality since the beginning of the pandemic, the authors noted the difficulty of determining mortality causes, and instead focused on mortality from all-causes. The mortality rate per 100,000 residents was 5,692 in December 2020, when COVID-19 was taking its greatest toll on nursing home residents, according to the new article. The authors compared this to the pre-pandemic mortality rate trend, which they estimated would have been roughly 3,500 per 100,000, in December 2020, should COVID-19 not occurred. In November 2023, the mortality rate for nursing home residents was 4,000 per 100,000 residents, still roughly 500 more residents per month, when compared to pre-pandemic trends. In sum, more residents were dying monthly in late 2023 than pre-pandemic mortality trends.
Unfortunately, these elevated numbers are likely partly attributable to dismally low COVID-19 vaccination rates among nursing home residents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Nursing Home COVID-19 Vaccination Data Dashboard shows that only 32% of nursing home residents are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. The nursing home staff rate is even lower, with only 7% of staff being up to date with their vaccines.
For more information on practical steps to reduce infection risks in nursing homes and best practices in keeping residents safe during respiratory seasons, listen to our recent podcast with a CDC expert. Additionally, the CDC website includes a range of resources regarding infection prevention for nursing home residents, families, and providers.
|
