All articles tagged with #nursing homes
The Supreme Court will hear the Trump administration’s bid to end temporary protected status for about 353,000 Haitian immigrants, a move nursing-home operators say would drain the immigrant labor pool that staffs U.S. senior-care facilities, worsening workforce shortages even as opponents argue Haiti’s safety concerns justify TPS revocation.
Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Syracuse has been added to a federal list of the 88 worst nursing homes in the U.S., replacing another local facility, Bishop Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, which was removed after improvements. Both facilities have struggled with patient care issues, including neglect and resident injuries, highlighting ongoing concerns about the quality of elder care in the region.
Abrams Fensterman, a prominent law firm with political ties and representing many nursing homes, is under investigation by the New York Attorney General's office for records related to debt-collection lawsuits, with the firm denying any wrongdoing and contesting a subpoena, as the AG broadens its scrutiny of the nursing home industry.
Genesis HealthCare, a major operator of rehab and nursing homes in the US, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure over $1.5 billion in debt, citing industry challenges and pandemic impacts, but assures no immediate impact on resident care.
A PBS documentary explores the history and current challenges of caregiving in the U.S., highlighting the lack of public support, reliance on private resources, and policy failures that have shaped the caregiving landscape, leaving many families to bear significant financial and emotional burdens.
Potential Medicaid funding cuts proposed by Republicans could significantly impact nursing homes and long-term care for seniors, leading to staffing shortages, reduced quality of care, and increased reliance on families and hospitals, with experts warning of serious consequences for vulnerable populations.
Cameron County Public Health is investigating a tuberculosis exposure at two nursing homes, Harlingen Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Vernada Rehabilitation and Healthcare, potentially affecting over 600 residents and employees. Testing is recommended for those who lived or worked at these facilities and will be available at no cost starting December 9 at the Harlingen Public Health Center. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection spread through the air, with symptoms similar to other respiratory illnesses.
A study of 500,000 Canadian nursing home residents found that antipsychotic medications, often prescribed off-label for dementia-related symptoms, significantly worsened behaviors in nearly 68% of patients. Researchers advocate for non-drug therapies like music and exercise, and emphasize person-centered care to improve outcomes and reduce reliance on antipsychotics, which can have serious side effects. The findings suggest a need to reevaluate the use of these medications in non-psychotic conditions.
The House subcommittee investigating the COVID-era handling of nursing homes has subpoenaed former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to question him about his administration's directive to admit recovering COVID-positive patients into nursing homes. Cuomo, who has faced intense scrutiny over this issue, has defended the directive, stating it was based on federal guidelines. The committee alleges that Cuomo's unwillingness to cooperate has delayed their investigation, while Cuomo's spokesperson called the subpoena a "press charade" and accused Congress of playing politics with COVID. Cuomo's attorney has urged the subcommittee to reconsider issuing the subpoena, stating that Cuomo has been cooperative.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the neglect and ageism towards older adults, with around 900,000 older adults dying from the virus. Efforts to improve care quality for seniors have stalled, and many are not receiving necessary treatments. Experts believe that the pandemic has intensified prejudice against older adults, leading to a lack of outrage and a sense of "us against them." They advocate for better integration of older adults in the community and emphasize their contributions to society. However, some are pessimistic about the future, while others believe that change is still possible.
A new report by federal investigators reveals that nursing homes in the U.S. are still grappling with staffing shortages, employee burnout, and inadequate infection control procedures, despite the waning of the Covid pandemic. The report highlights severe staffing problems, low vaccination booster rates, and the financial challenges faced by nursing homes. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the agency overseeing nursing home care, has been urged to address these issues and make meaningful changes.
Despite the devastating impact of Covid-19 in nursing homes, fewer than 4 in 10 residents have received the latest Covid shot, leading to blame between the Biden administration and the care industry. Nursing homes demand more support from the federal government to administer vaccines, while the administration emphasizes the legal requirement for homes to offer shots. The decline in vaccination rates is attributed to logistical and reimbursement challenges, declining interest in vaccination, and the shift to private sector management. Discrepancies in vaccination rates across states highlight the need for improved efforts to persuade Americans to get vaccinated, especially among vulnerable elderly populations in nursing homes.
Former New York Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, who was responsible for a March 2020 order forcing nursing homes to accept COVID-positive residents, will testify in front of the House's Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. The order potentially caused 1,000 additional nursing home deaths. Lawmakers want to understand the decision-making process behind the order and whether financial considerations played a role. Zucker faced no consequences for the order and was appointed deputy director for global health at the Centers for Disease Control by the Biden administration.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported alarmingly low COVID-19 vaccination rates among nursing home staff and residents. Only six states have over 10% of staff members fully vaccinated, while only three states have more than 50% of residents fully vaccinated. The low vaccination rates pose a real danger to the vulnerable nursing home population, who are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infections. Factors contributing to the low rates include vaccine skepticism, access issues, and poor messaging. Experts recommend improving communication, providing convenient access to vaccines, and addressing concerns to increase vaccination rates in nursing homes.
North Dakota and South Dakota have achieved high COVID-19 vaccination rates in nursing homes, with 55% and almost 57% of residents vaccinated, respectively. The success can be attributed to partnerships with pharmacies, which brought vaccines directly to residents, and the close relationship between nursing homes and healthcare systems. Regular communication and education about the vaccines have also played a crucial role. The experiences of these states highlight the importance of accessibility and availability in achieving high vaccination rates, even in areas with political opposition to vaccines. Low-uptake states should learn from their approach to protect vulnerable populations.