Harmony Healthcare Blog

C.A.R.E.

Compliance • Audits/Analysis • Reimbursement/Regulatory/Rehab • Education/Efficiency

The CDC, CMS, AHCA and all State Associations are working around the clock to assist Skilled Nursing Facilities with navigating through this unprecedented time.  The resources are available, but it may difficult for operations to problem solve and prioritize due to the overwhelming risk and mortality of the senior population from COVID-19.

Coronavirus is a member of larger “family of viruses” called Coronaviruses (which includes the common cold). The name is derived from the shape of the virus at the molecular level, it looks like a “crown” with projections.  Those spikes on the virus allow it to stick to human cells and proceed to take over the normal cellular structure and then replicate itself.  This family of viruses has been around over 50 years.  COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) is the 7^th coronavirus known to effect humans.

More recently, in 2002, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), in 2012, MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), and in 2017 SADS (Swine Acute Diarrhea Syndrome) resulted in the below Death Rates. 

Per the NSVH, the demographics of the age and mortality show that:

78.23 % of deaths thus far are 65 years old or older!

• 65-74 years old 22.02%
• 75-84 years old 27.92%
• 85 and older years old 28.29%
  

   

  COVID-19 Deaths and % Deaths by Age Reference: National Vital Statistics System (NVSS)
  Age	COVID-19 Deaths	COVID-19  % Deaths
  Under 1 year	0	0.00%
  1 - 4 years	1	0.02%
  5 - 14 years	0	0.00%
  15 - 24 years	4	0.10%
  25 - 34 years	38	0.93%
  35 - 44 years	102	2.51%
  45 - 54 years	236	5.81%
  55 - 64 years	504	12.40%
  65 - 74 years	895	22.02%
  75 - 84 years	1,135	27.92%
  85 years plus	1,150	28.29%
  Total	4,065	100.00%

   

As of 4.8.20, per the CDC, the U.S. has 399,752 cases of COVID-19 totaling 12,827 deaths and a 3.2% mortality.

The key takeaway here is that our nation’s seniors (those age 65 and older) are the most at risk to this disease. Furthermore, the residents of nursing homes have the grates risk due to their co-morbidities and pre-existing medical conditions.

To stop the spread of COVID-19 and to keep nursing facility residents safe, please be mindful of the following:

1. Transparency is key. The CDC and other health organizations can only eliminate this threat with the data they receive from infected individuals across the country. Be sure to report all cases and track the symptoms (or lack thereof) for those quarantined.  Sharing the experience of symptoms with family, friends, colleagues and public health officials to reduce the spread of infection. 
2. Work collaboratively (Nursing Home Staff and the Community) to social distance from one another; in turn, keeping those near who have not become exposed to COVID-19 safe.
3. Data is Everything. Data gathering and analysis starts with local public health officials and is used by medical professionals and researchers worldwide. Cooperate with the local DPH.
4. Do not stigmatize the Nursing Home population for their plight, help them.
5. Do not allow visitors to enter the facility if they have symptoms or exposed to COVID-19.
6. Teach families how to communicate with loved ones via Skype, FaceTime or phone as much as possible. Visual (Face to face) connection is best.  Phone is second best.
7. Provide residents with activities they enjoy. Families are encouraged to communicate and emphasize these specifics to Nursing Home Staff.
8. Educate the healthcare staff on infection control and implement systems that include ongoing

The below data (from the CDC and NVSS) aids to visualize the risk of death by age and % death by age for seniors in the U.S.

The below data (from the CDC) aids to visualize the increase and number # of deaths from 3.14.20 to 4.8.20 by state.

Harmony Healthcare International (HHI) is a premier Nursing Home Consulting and Long Term Care Consulting firm.  We can help educate, train and refine systems for Infection Control.

Please feel free to call Kris Mastrangelo, President and CEO at 617.595.6032

Don't forget to register for our Webinar this Monday, April 13th on Trauma-Informed Care!

Harmony Healthcare International (HHI) is available to assist with any questions or concerns that you may have.  You can contact us by clicking here.  Looking to train your staff?  Join us in person at one of our our upcoming Competency/Certification Courses.  Click here to see the dates and locations.