In the Post-Pandemic COVID-19 Era, Nursing Homes Remain Vulnerable

In the post-pandemic era, it is tempting to let out a big sigh of relief and try to return to “business as usual.” Unfortunately, the world has forever changed in some ways, and for our most vulnerable populations, the threat remains. The elderly, those with chronic illnesses and disabilities, and the very young are at a higher risk than average.

None of us want to go back to the pandemic when we watched with a sense of dread as infection rates and maps on our televisions updated daily – but it’s not prudent to ignore new surges in COVID infections either. The latest COVID variants have been ramping up in some areas in 2024, posing a threat to the most susceptible.

What Does the Data Say?

The most common sources for COVID-19 data and trends are the CDC and the WHO. When looking at a provisional COVID-19 deaths-by-week graph spanning 2020 to the present, it is obvious that we are over the worst of it. At it’s peak in 2020, deaths topped 25,000 per week. September 2024, so far, is now reflecting around 1,100 deaths per week.

As you can see, COVID-19 is still peaking, with around two peaks per year. We are currently in the first peak of 2024-2025. If the pattern holds true, we can look forward to another one in a few months.

Of note, this graph reflects only deaths, not infections or hospitalizations. Those numbers are a bit more difficult to validate, due to the availability of self-testing kits, comorbid conditions in the hospital, and other factors. What we DO know from historical data is that nursing home resident deaths typically exceed the death rate of the general population. During the heat of the pandemic, nursing homes reported over 25 times the death rate reported in the general population.

Why Are Nursing Homes Vulnerable?

Common sense tells us that residents of nursing homes are typically cared for in a clean facility, with greater attention to infection control than other public places. However, congregate living situations, staff exposure from outside the facility, and depleted immune systems from chronic conditions and age form a troublesome mix of risk factors. Another worrisome fact is the extreme speed at which a wave of Coronavirus can spread within a facility.

Vaccination Rates on the Decline

As we see in the trends above, COVID-19 cases and deaths began to climb again. The AARP published its own warning based on an analysis of federal data – we are in for a rough winter. The virus has a pattern of surging around the holidays, and this year’s case and death rates are tracking higher than last year. Additionally, less attention is being given to getting COVID-19 boosters – both by LTC residents and staff.

AARP’s senior methods advisor Ari Houser states “It is critically important that nursing home residents and staff get vaccinated during the fall to achieve maximum protection for both themselves and all residents living in the facility.”

Infection Rates on the Rise

When looking at recent data from 2024 collected from nursing homes, the trends are concerning.

• During the period from July 29 to August 25, the rates of resident and staff COVID cases increased by seven fold compared to the four weeks ending May 26.

• One out of every 28 nursing home residents tested positive for COVID-19 during the latest monthly period.

• Resident deaths from Coronavirus increased five times, jumping from 100 in the period ending in May, to 500 for the month ending August 25.

Vaccinate and Report – Easy, right?

When it comes to the raw data, nursing home facility data is some of the most accurate, due to mandated reporting. This accuracy comes at a price for many facilities that are struggling to find staff and balance workloads. If your facility could use a partner to ensure timely and accurate COVID-19 vaccination and case reporting to NHSN, Votive could be the partner you are looking for. Votive’s experience throughout the pandemic has refined our methods for collecting data and submitting it on your behalf to the CDC and CMS. Avoid threats of fines, and time-consuming data gathering, while you rest easier with a partner dedicated to your success.