COVID-19 devastates nursing homes locally and nationwide

As the coronavirus spreads through nursing homes, families want answers

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a devastating toll on nursing homes nationwide. Pennsylvania is among the states with the highest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 among nursing home residents and staff. At least six deaths and ten additional confirmed cases were reported at one Scranton facility. While nursing homes all over the country have reported deadly outbreaks, the full scale of the impact is unknown, as many facilities are not reporting data or are without access to testing.

With many nursing homes short-staffed and struggling to meet standards under normal circumstances, the global pandemic has introduced a new threat that some facilities were ill-equipped to meet. The combination of residents’ physical vulnerability to infection, lack of access to testing, and inadequate safety protections has allowed the virus to spread rapidly, and with tragic consequences. […]

Long Term Care Facilities and Coronavirus

How concerned should I be about a loved one living in a long term care facility?

Residents living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, independent living facilities and continuing care facilities are all at relatively high risk for contracting COVID-19.  The reasons are that the individuals are living in relatively close quarters, are advanced in age, and often have underlying health issues. Furthermore, many of these facilities lack the capacity to test all of their residents and to provide their staff with proper protective equipment. As a result, long-term care facilities may lack the information, supplies, and physical space to keep all of their staff and residents safe. 

What should nursing homes be doing to protect their residents during this pandemic?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended the following precautions for nursing homes and other long-term care facilities:

Restrict visitation except for extenuating circumstances such as end of life care. […]

Caring for a Sick Household Member

What should I do if a member of my household gets sick?

Most people who get sick with coronavirus only have mild symptoms and are able to recover at home. If your employee or coworker tests positive for COVID-19, consider sanitizing and disinfecting your workplace to eliminate harmful germs.   If you suspect you or a household member has coronavirus, you should call your doctor or county health department for medical advice. Ask  if COVID-19 testing is available and recommended.  Without testing, you will not know for certain if the illness is coronavirus or something else. Follow this guidance from the CDC:

Have the sick person stay in one room as much as possible.

Have them use their own bathroom, if possible. 

Have them wear a cloth face covering, especially when around other people.

Avoid sharing personal household items, […]

Basic Coronavirus Questions Answered

Is it safe for me to go outside?

The short answer is yes.  Even though most of the country is under stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders,  going outside for some fresh air is encouraged as long as you can maintain social distancing.  Taking a walk or going for a jog can be great for your physical and mental health.

Take a walk, jog, or bike ride in your neighborhood.  If you prefer a change of scenery, check to see which parks in your area are still open. The key to being outdoors safely is to remember to practice safe social distancing.  Keep a distance of six feet between you and everyone else, other than the members of your immediate household.

How do I safely do my essential errands?

There are many services that will deliver groceries and other goods to you including Amazon, […]

Hospitals Facing Dire Shortage of Needed Medications

We are all aware of the critical shortage of medical equipment such as N95 masks needed to protect our health care workers, and ventilators to help ill patients breathe. But hospitals are now running low on essential drugs as well.  

Medications needed to support ailing respiratory systems, antiviral medications and sedatives are all in short supply.  Premier, a company that works with many hospitals for their medication purchasing, has compiled a list of 15 critical drugs for treating COVID-19 that are either facing a shortage or already in short supply. They have reported that 70% of acute care responders reported at least one shortage of one of these COVID-19 drugs.  Among non-acute responders, such as pharmacies, long term care facilities, and home care facilities, 48% reported shortages.

These drugs are used for a variety of purposes, including pain management, […]