Nursing Homes Losing the Fight Against COVID-19

Nursing homes are seemingly the hotspots for Covid-19.There have been several outbreaks in nursing homes throughout the nation including the Greater Kansas City area, both Kansas and Missouri.

In one KCK facility, there was over 130 cases reported, with staff and residents both testing positive for the virus.

One of the largest known outbreaks on the Missouri side had 71 cases within the nursing home among residents with staff having 15 confirmed cases.

There have been several outbreaks of the virus in different nursing homes in the Greater Kansas City area.

Because anyone could visit the nursing home, it is hard to track specifically how the virus is invading all of these nursing homes.

There have been some changes to how nursing homes are running during this pandemic, with stricter rules over who is allowed in.

Many people are unable to visit with family members who are in the nursing home because of these stricter rules.

In addition to family no longer being able to see the residents, certain outside healthcare professionals aren’t allowed in the facilities.

Certified Nursing Assistants used to have daily visits with certain patients depending on their needs, especially those on hospice. They are no longer allowed to visit certain facilities because they are cutting down on visitors.

Since nursing homes have essentially locked down, only those with specific certifications are allowed to visit patients.

Even after adding more restrictions and screening those who are allowed in, the rates in nursing homes are still high.

Those aged over 75make up over half of all deaths due to Co-vid-19, but make up only about 5% of all cases.

Residents of nursing homes are considered high risk whether it is simply because of old age or because of preexisting conditions.

Some families have found a way to keep in touch with their loved ones and finding a way to see them. Some people video call or even visit the outside of the facility to talk with them using a window as a buffer. They will stand outside of the window and talk with them over the phone.

*Published in The Call newspaper August 14, 2020 Issue*