Introduction

As knowledge about COVID-19 continues to evolve daily, experts agree that certain populations are particularly vulnerable to severe cases of infection – those with chronic illnesses, weakened immune systems and who are old. Nursing facilities provide care to populations with these characteristics, and residents of these facilities are at particular risk of developing severe illness or death if infected. In 2017, approximately 1.3 million residents received care at 15,483 nursing facilities in the United States (Table 1). This data note provides key data points to highlight the potential implications of COVID-19 on nursing facility residents and overall operations.

Share of nursing home residents receiving respiratory treatment

Many residents of nursing homes have underlying respiratory problems and may be at particular risk of illness if they contract coronavirus. A common symptom of coronaviruses is respiratory illness. Approximately 16% of all residents of nursing homes in the United States received respiratory treatment in 2017, which includes the use of respirators/ventilators, oxygen, inhalation therapy and other treatments. Given the implications of this virus on the respiratory systems, these residents could be at greater risk of serious consequences if they were to become infected. In states like Colorado and Utah, more than 30% of nursing home residents receive respiratory treatment (Table 1). The supply of ventilators is also crucial to consider, given the increased demand for this equipment for those severely affected by COVID-19.

Share of nursing home residents suffering from depression

Anxiety and depression are also common among nursing home residents, and these health issues can be exacerbated by fear, worry, or social isolation due to COVID-19. Residents of nursing homes are at risk of being diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, with nearly 40% having exhibited symptoms of depression (Table 1). In Washington, where media attention has focused on the coronavirus outbreak in nursing facilities, nearly half of residents have experienced depression or depressive symptoms. Research on family involvement in long-term care has shown that family visits can have potentially positive effects on cognitive and behavioral health diagnoses. Thus, visitation restrictions in nursing facilities, which are currently being implemented to reduce the risk of exposure among residents who would be vulnerable to disease if infected, may also have negative health effects. mental health of residents and increase the incidence of depressive symptoms.

Share of nursing homes with gaps in infection control

Deficiencies related to the spread of infectious diseases are relatively common in nursing care facilities, with nearly 40% of facilities having at least one infection control deficiency in 2017 (Table 1). Deficiencies related to infection control are the most common deficiencies reported by nursing facilities, followed by food hygiene (36%) and accidental environment (34%). In Delaware, Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, and California, more than half of facilities reported at least one infection control-related deficiency (Table 1 and Figure 1). Given the importance of following infection control procedures to mitigate the spread of the virus, facilities that have reported infection control deficiencies in the past may be at high risk for a COVID-19 outbreak. 19.

EHPAD occupancy rate

Resident density could impact how quickly a COVID-19 outbreak could spread through a particular facility. Nationally, four out of five nursing facility beds were occupied in 2017, with some states such as New York and DC reporting even higher occupancy density (over 90%) (Table 1). Higher occupancy density puts residents at risk of faster spread.

In the early stages of the COVID-19 epidemic in the United States, residents of nursing care facilities were more affected than any other group and account for a significant share of deaths. The physical and mental health conditions of these residents, the facilities’ ability to deal with infectious diseases, and occupancy rates are all important factors when it comes to combating the spread of COVID-19 in homes. nursing and other vulnerable populations.