Good News: Vaccinations Are Working For Long Term Care
Exciting news from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) this week: a new report found that nursing homes have seen a 96 percent decline in new COVID cases among residents since the peak of the pandemic in December. Along with the lowest number of new COVID cases, AHCA/NCAL’s report found that COVID-related deaths in nursing homes have declined by 91 percent since December.
While long term care facilities aren’t entirely out of the woods yet, this update indicates that the COVID-19 vaccines are working as intended. This dramatic decrease in cases, combined with recent updates to visiting restrictions, signals residents are safer from the virus and many families can visit in-person again.
Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines and their benefits.
Check out these stories of joyful reunions thanks to the COVID-19 vaccines and lifted restrictions:
“Words can’t describe the emotion you felt, seeing people finally able to hug their loved ones again.”
Camelot Brookside in Jennings, LA recently allowed in-person visitation – and the result was an “emotional week” of teary, joyful reunions. Read the full story here →
“Dad, I’ve just loved seeing you and getting to be close to you.”
In Las Cruces, NM, 84-year-old Sherwood was reunited with his daughter, Debbie. Despite not being much of a hugger, he was thrilled to see Debbie in-person for the first time in more than a year thanks to being fully vaccinated. Read the full story here →
“That was so wonderful to hold him. We’re so lucky.”
A South Seattle, WA couple met their youngest great-grandchild for the first time last week when their nursing home reopened for indoor visitation. High vaccination rates and infection control have helped Washington long term care facilities reopen and bring families together. Read the full story here →
“This is the first time I’ve done this in a year. I got chills. This is the best feeling.”
Andrew spent his 99th birthday alone last year – but this year, he’s celebrating his 100th surrounded by family after his Lakeland, FL assisted living facility reopened. He says he’s shocked at how big his great-grandchildren have grown – and his granddaughter Cara says sitting next to him after the last year is “amazing.” Read the full story here →
“It’s a good feeling to know … she’s my sister. I still have family.”
82-year-old twins Jackie and Janet were reunited after Janet’s nursing home closed to visitors last year. The women say it is wonderful to be reunited and spend their visit looking at photos. Read the full story here →
