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The Push For Nursing Home Reform In The Middle Of A Pandemic

WAMU 88.5 | By Kathryn Fink

Published September 20, 2021 at 6:50 AM MDT

Most Americans prefer to age at home, according to a 2018 AARP survey. But the need for facility-based care is not going away.

According to AARP, at least 186,000 nursing home residents and staff have died from COVID-19.

For many, the pandemic has exposed cracks in our long-term care system — such as staffing shortages and unenforced rules. Some have seen those cracks for much longer.

From The New England Journal of Medicine:

Most Americans prefer to age at home, according to a 2018 AARP survey. But the need for facility-based care is not going away, especially for those who can’t afford another option.

We talk with experts about the future of nursing homes and long-term care.