Protecting our loved ones in nursing homes from COVID-19
Thousands of long-term care facilities in the U.S. have experienced coronavirus outbreaks, and some of Illinois’ own nursing homes have been tragic examples. In one recent case, a South Shore nursing home was devastated as 70% of their 158 residents tested positive for COVID-19 and 10 residents died.
The pandemic has waged war against our greatest generation and Illinois nursing homes are losing the fight.
As each day of the pandemic passes, family members, staff and community members are becoming increasingly worried about the health and safety of those inside long-term care facilities. Now more than ever, knowledge is crucial to empower families to act, speak up, and protect those we love.
As an organization representing 1.7 million members in Illinois, 38 million members nationally and all Illinois residents age 50-plus, AARP IL knows that older adults need support and resources during these challenging times.
Last year, we lobbied — and Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law — a measure which requires nursing homes to adhere to Illinois’ direct care staffing standards, and includes accountability measures for nursing homes that don’t abide by the staffing rules. The law also ensures that nursing home residents are not given psychotropic medication without proper consent.
In the last several weeks, we have called upon state leaders to heighten transparency of COVID-19 cases and deaths in nursing homes, enhance access to COVID-19 testing and personal protective equipment (PPE), require nursing homes to communicate with family members about their loved one’s health and safety, and make available virtual visitation between residents and their family members.
AARP IL is grateful that Gov. Pritzker, his administration and legislative leaders responded to our requests to list the number of residents and direct care staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 — as well as the number of deaths — on the State’s COVID-19 website.
Important contact info
Those with a spouse, sibling, parent, or other loved one in a nursing home, AARP IL can now visit the Illinois Department Public Health website under Coronavirus 19 - Long Term Care Facility Outbreaks (www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/long-term-care-facility-outbreaks-covid-19) for weekly updates on COVID-19 cases and deaths per county and nursing home.
AARP Illinois also encourages calling a loved one’s facility directly and ask key questions listed at www.aarp.org/Illinois to remain connected and informed.
And we are routinely sharing timely information with older adults as it becomes available. If you are concerned about the safety of a loved one living in a nursing home, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-252-4343. Families and caregivers can also find additional information and resources about COVID-19 at www.aarp.org/coronavirus.
Nursing home testing to amp up?
Gov. Pritzker and Dr. Ngozi Ezike recently announced their commitment to ramp up testing of nursing home residents and staff, along with greater access to critical PPE with accountability of nursing homes owners and management. These are critical steps in the right direction as we continue to navigate through this difficult time.
There is no simple road map for protecting our state’s most vulnerable population in nursing homes during a worldwide pandemic. But AARP Illinois will continue to use the courage and heartbreaking personal stories shared by families and direct care nursing staff to inspire and guide our work.
Bob Gallo is the State Director of AARP Illinois.