COVID-19 and Nursing Homes

The death rate from coronavirus for nursing homes is skyrocketing above the general population.There are several reasons: nursing homes are generally understaffed, many have two residents in a room, and there are minimal medical personnel in most facilities. If some of the staff get sick, often there are no replacements. This often causes the facilities to be unclean and underserved.

There may be an underlying feeling that younger people should be attended first  since they have longer years to live. However, each life is precious, no matter what the age. The elderly in nursing homes are someone’s mother or father, grandparent, or other relative.They ought to be cared for on an equal basis as anyone else with the virus.

The US is the richest country in the world and we ought to be able to tend our elderly with dignity and  expert care. Granted some cities are overwhelmed and need outside assistance. Of course, many  nursing homes provide excellent care and follow all the precautions  as closely as possible.They ought to be commended and serve as examples to others.

In many countries the elderly are looked upon with respect and  loving attention from their families. In our  society  that is often not the case. Sometimes this is not possible when their children have jobs and families to care for. Still most families expect their elders to receive the best care possible in their nursing homes. They expect the conditions to be sanitary and medical attention available when necessary.

Let's put our elderly at the top of the list, not the bottom.