Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
'Things Are Different And Way Better': Nursing Homes Make Major Changes
The Hill: Nursing Homes Prepare For Third COVID-19 Surge
Nursing homes, long in the spotlight as a key battleground in the fight to prevent the spread of COVID-19, are making key structural changes to prepare for an expected third surge of the disease. Facilities have implemented increased testing, promoted mask use and changed clinical practices in an effort to protect older Americans who are at higher risk of complications from the coronavirus. (Gangitano, 10/26)
The New York Times: CDC Says Nurses Are At High Risk For Covid-19
Among health care workers, nurses in particular have been at significant risk of contracting Covid-19, according to a new analysis of hospitalized patients by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The findings were released Monday as a surge of new hospitalizations swept the country, with several states hitting record levels of cases. (Abelson, 10/26)
NPR: They Work In Several Nursing Homes To Eke Out A Living, And That May Spread The Virus
To make ends meet, Martha Tapia works 64 hours a week at two Orange County, Calif., nursing homes. She is one of thousands of certified nursing assistants who perform the intimate and physical work of bathing, dressing and feeding the nation's fragile elderly. "We do everything for them. Everything you do for yourself, you have to do for the residents," Tapia says. (Fortier, 10/26)
In other news related to the elderly —
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Potentially Inappropriate Drugs Prescribed To Older Adults Tied To Hundreds Of Costs
Many older adults use prescription medications but according to a recent study, over a quarter of people age 65 and older have been prescribed potentially inappropriate drugs. An Oct. 22 press release from the University at Buffalo publicized the findings of a study, which was published in August in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. (Willis, 10/26)
San Francisco Chronicle: Bay Area Seniors Struggle With Loneliness As Pandemic Drags On: ‘It’s Four Walls And A TV’
In the months since her death on May 20, Rhoda Goldman and facilities like it have lifted some restrictions for residents to help reduce isolation and loneliness. And in other places — from community centers and libraries to doctor and dentist offices — those who work with older adults are trying to combat the isolation and associated mental health issues that many are struggling with as the pandemic drags on. (Allday, 10/26)
