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By Aegis Therapies August 2, 2024

As we experience a surge of COVID-19 during the summer, the CDC has reported a concerning rise in test positivity, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and deaths. This increase highlights the need for thorough preparation and careful attention in skilled nursing care to safeguard our vulnerable populations.

What Your Senior Living Community Should Know

These are five common challenges skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) might encounter with the resurgence of COVID-19 during the summer of 2024:

1. Staffing Shortages: As COVID-19 cases increase, facilities may see more staff absences due to illness, quarantine, or burnout, which can strain the remaining workforce and impact resident care quality.
2. Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation: Some residents and staff may hesitate to receive updated vaccines or boosters due to misinformation or fear of side effects. This can hinder efforts to achieve high vaccination coverage and leave the community vulnerable to outbreaks.
3. Supply Chain Disruptions: The resurgence of COVID-19 may cause supply chain problems, making it challenging to obtain essential items like PPE, testing kits, and cleaning supplies. This can impede infection control efforts and elevate the facility’s transmission risk.
4. Resident Isolation and Mental Health: Increased COVID-19 precautions, such as restrictions on visitors and group activities, can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness among residents, negatively impacting their mental health and overall well-being.
5. Balancing Safety and Normalcy: Facilities must balance safety measures and normalcy for residents. Striking this balance is challenging, as overly strict measures can lead to dissatisfaction and unrest, while insufficient measures can result in outbreaks.

Quick Tips for Your Community

Skilled nursing facilities can use these points to navigate the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 while prioritizing the health and well-being of their residents and staff. Proactively addressing these issues can help SNFs better manage the resurgence of COVID-19 and protect their residents and staff’s health and well-being.

Here are five critical points that SNFs need to know about COVID-19 in 2024:

1. Address Staffing Issues: Effectively address staffing challenges and ensure the success of therapy programs with diverse staffing approaches.
2. Promote Updated Vaccinations & Boosters: Focus on trust, open communication, and vaccinations to protect against future variants. Ensure all residents and staff are updated with COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots as the virus evolves.
3. Communication & Education: Implement a comprehensive COVID-19 communication plan to ensure sharing of updates and safety measures with staff, residents, and families. Provide continuous education and training and establish a resource library to access reliable information quickly. Transparent and frequent communication helps build trust and ensures everyone understands the measures to keep them safe.
4. Monitor, Test, and Adapt: Regularly monitor and test people to identify and contain outbreaks quickly. Make rapid tests and PCR tests easily accessible and have a clear plan for handling positive cases in place. Keep a close watch on infection rates and be ready to adjust your protocols as needed. Also, regularly update your communication plan to reflect the latest CDC guidelines.
5. Enhanced Infection Control Measures: Maintain and enforce strict infection control practices, including frequent hand hygiene, regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
6. Mental Health Support: Address the residents’ and staff’s mental health needs. The prolonged pandemic has affected everyone’s mental well-being. Provide access to counseling services, social activities, and mental health resources to support the community.

Aegis Therapies: Collaboration for Success and Better Outcomes

With 25 years of experience providing industry-leading therapy services, Aegis Therapies can support your community. Collaborate with us to access a wealth of resources and expertise for staffing and tailored rehab services that support recovery and independence.
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This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Aegis Therapies welcomes all persons in need of its services and does not discriminate based on age, disability, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or source of payment. Interpreter Services are available at no cost. Please visit your local Aegis Therapies location for assistance.