Latest Morning Briefing Stories

Montana’s Tribal Nations Preserve COVID Restrictions To Preserve Their Cultures

KFF Health News Original

Some of Montana’s Native American nations are holding firm on coronavirus protections even as the rest of Montana reopens. They’ve got more at stake, they say, in protecting their elders who preserve their endangered culture.

Bringing ‘Poogie’ Home: Hospice In The Time Of COVID-19

KFF Health News Original

One family took up the challenge of taking their mother, who had serious medical problems and the coronavirus, from the hospital to die at home. But because of the risk of infection, home hospice can be a daunting experience.

Beyond The Glam: Feeding The Coachella Valley’s Most Vulnerable Residents

KFF Health News Original

Poverty is real in the Coachella Valley, a region known for its glitzy resorts and music festival. During the COVID crisis, the California National Guard and California Conservation Corps are helping an area food bank distribute food to older residents and those with disabilities.

As Deaths Mount, Coronavirus Testing Remains Wildly Inconsistent In Long-Term Care

KFF Health News Original

Testing for COVID-19 varies widely across nursing homes and assisted living facilities, even within the same states and communities — increasing the risks for some of America’s most vulnerable seniors.

Palliative Care Helped Family Face ‘The Awful, Awful Truth’

KFF Health News Original

Elizabeth and Robert Mar would have celebrated 50 years of marriage in August. Instead, they died within a day of each other. Their two very different deaths illustrate how palliative care is changing to help patients and families cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-Plagued California Nursing Homes Often Had Problems In Past

KFF Health News Original

Nursing homes with COVID-19 infections tend to violate health rules more often and have more complaints and fines, records show. But infections also plague highly rated facilities — while sparing some low-ranked ones.

In Shutting Out Threat, Seniors In Continuing Care Communities Feel Shut In

KFF Health News Original

For older adults in retirement communities ― a population especially vulnerable to COVID-19 — striking a balance between reducing the risk of contracting the coronavirus and maintaining the quality of life is a new frontier.

COVID-19 Crisis Threatens Beleaguered Assisted Living Industry

KFF Health News Original

The Capital Senior Living chain of assisted living communities and others like it were struggling financially before coronavirus suddenly appeared. Now their situation is really getting tough.

Retiree-Rich Palm Beach County Leads Florida In COVID-19 Deaths

KFF Health News Original

The coronavirus death toll in Palm Beach County — home to President Donald Trump’s palatial home and club, Mar-a-Lago ― is the highest in Florida, where the large senior population is at risk.