As nursing homes fret COVID-19 vaccine distribution, only 14% say they’ll mandate it for staff
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 18, 2020
Nursing home operators continue to worry about the timing and quantities of newly approved COVID-19 vaccines reaching them this week and next, but some of the fretting could be for nought. Less than 15%...
Feds distributing 30 million more rapid BinaxNOW tests
By
Danielle Brown
Dec 18, 2020
The Department of Health and Human Services is sending another 30 million Abbott BinaxNOW rapid tests to support vulnerable populations, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities and home health...
The devilish details of vaccine distribution
By
Tina Sadarangani, Ph.D., R.N.
Daniel David, Ph.D., R.N
Jasmine Travers, Ph.D., R.N.,
Dec 17, 2020
The development of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine has always been a matter of “when” not “if.” Significant advances in vaccine development, a coordinated global response...
65% of nursing homes operating at a loss, survey finds
By
Danielle Brown
Dec 17, 2020
Ninety percent of nursing home operators are currently operating at a loss or at a profit margin of less than 3% — with almost two-thirds of them operating a loss, according to a new industry survey.
What now? The long-term effects of COVID-19 on transitional care
By
Barbara Giacomelli
Dec 16, 2020
The impact of COVID-19 on transitional and long-term care facilities will reverberate long after the pandemic itself is under control. While the immediate task is to maintain current coronavirus safety...
Most nursing homes predict ‘normal’ activities will resume by end of summer; many unsure about Biden:...
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 16, 2020
A strong majority of nursing home leaders say they think that “all normal activities,” such as regular group dining, full visitations and trips to the outside community, will be able to take place...
Industry leaders demand action on COVID relief proposals worth $2B for providers
By
Danielle Brown
Dec 16, 2020
The nation’s two largest nursing home associations are urging lawmakers to reach a deal on two COVID-19 relief bills that would provide $2 billion in overall aid to providers.
Moderna’s vaccine highly effective against COVID-19: FDA review
By
John O'Connor
Dec 16, 2020
Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is 94% effective in preventing symptomatic illness, according to information released Tuesday. The initial review’s findings appear to set the table for federal authorization...
Managing a bah humbug holiday season
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Dec 15, 2020
By now many of us have viewed the viral video of residents gleefully shooting soft foam balls at laughing staff members dressed as reindeer dodging through a pine-tree “forest.” It’s the kind...
Mass LTC vaccinations start next week, distributors say; a few states start this week, feds say
By
Danielle Brown
Dec 15, 2020
Most nursing homes who opted into the federal COVID-19 vaccine program are likely to receive their first doses starting early next week.