Nursing home managers stressed about the sustainability of the industry due to COVID-19 response costs, lost revenue and negative portrayal of nursing homes in the media, reported online Monday. This was found in a published survey.
Researchers from Brown University and Harvard University conducted 156 interviews with administrators in 2020 and 2021, finding that they face challenges in implementing government policies and seeking additional support and resources. expressed a need. The interviewee represented 40 nursing homes in his eight markets in the United States, and many expressed a desire to deepen collaboration with policy makers and provide a forum for decision making. did.
“Media portrayals of SNF during COVID-19 have presented it in a largely negative light, but with so few people choosing to live in it, administrators and other SNF staff have taken serious We have found that we are fully committed to bringing SNF through both the outbreak crisis and beyond – solving long-term and chronic challenges as much as possible,” said Principal Investigator Emily Gadobois. the doctor said McKnight Nursing News Tuesday.
The publication of this paper closely follows the final decision of the House Special Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. reportcriticized mainly nursing home staffing, wages, and vaccination rates.
Interviews identified four stages that managers endured. In the early days of the pandemic, administrators described the initial shock, characterized by fear and confusion, and frequently changing and conflicting policies and regulations.
“The term ‘new normal’ was used to describe the second phase, which management noted as residents, staff, and families began adjusting to life with COVID-19.” A second outbreak occurred. When we do, many say they feel more confident that they know how to respond.”
The third phase of the pandemic began with vaccination approved for emergency use and distributed to nursing homes. Administrators also used the phrase “light at the end of the tunnel” as both vaccination rates and morale rose.
“As the COVID-19 variant continued, even after vaccination became available, administrators described a fourth phase characterized by hopelessness and caregiver fatigue,” the report said. “In one last interview, one manager said, ‘It used to be daily. Now it’s hourly.’
According to the researchers, Gadbore’s interviewees frequently complained about the many changes in health crisis policy by all levels of government. Another common issue was how visitation, diet, and activity restrictions could impair residents’ mental health, leading to depression and weight loss.
“We have heard a lot about our strategies for responding to COVID-19 and the impact on the health of our residents and staff. this paper highlights some of the high-level findings across many topics. Future papers in preparation will be able to provide more detailed information,” said Gadbois, an assistant professor of health services, policy and practice at Brown University’s School of Public Health.
