Category: Nursing Homes

KHN’s ‘What The Health?’: Say What? The Spread Of Coronavirus Confusion

Months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the public seems more confused than ever. And health officials still are not all on the same page; this week the World Health Organization had to walk back an official’s statement about how commonly the virus is spread by people without symptoms. Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post and Mary Ellen McIntire of CQ Roll Call join KHN’s Julie Rovner to discuss this and more. Also, Rovner interviews Michael Mackert, a professor and health communications expert at the University of Texas-Austin, about how health information can best be translated to the public.

Federal Help Falters As Nursing Homes Run Short Of Protective Equipment

More than 3,000 nursing homes reported less than a week’s worth of supplies, and 653 said they had run out entirely at some point. Stopgap FEMA equipment has not reached many facilities, and packages that have arrived have fallen short of promises.

Must-Reads Of The Week

KHN senior correspondent Jordan Rau takes a spin through this week’s essential health care news.

For Seniors, COVID-19 Sets Off A Pandemic Of Despair

The guidance to stay sheltered as society slowly reopens wears on older Americans, who have a growing sense of isolation and depression.

My Mother Died Of The Coronavirus. It’s Time She Was Counted.

Not having an accurate, honest, nationwide way to tally COVID-19 cases will only add to the current tragedy.

As Congress Weighs COVID Liability Protections, States Shield Health Providers

Under pressure from organizations representing doctors, nurses, hospitals and other care providers, a handful of states are offering them protections from civil lawsuits over medical treatment.

‘No Intubation’: Seniors Fearful Of COVID-19 Are Changing Their Living Wills

Still, medical experts say, it’s not a black-and-white decision of either go on a ventilator or die.

Lost on the Frontline

A lab assistant who spoke out about employee safety. A disease intervention specialist who hoped to follow her mother into nursing. A father of three who juggled jobs at three nursing homes. These are some of the people just added to “Lost on the Frontline,” a special series from The Guardian and KHN that profiles health care workers who died of COVID-19.

COVID-Plagued California Nursing Homes Often Had Problems In Past

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.

As COVID-19 Lurks, Families Are Locked Out Of Nursing Homes. Is It Safe Inside?

“The awful truth is families have no control over what’s happening,” one advocate says.