Skilled Nursing Industry Ready for a Rebound

The skilled nursing home industry has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the past year 171,000 residents and caregivers have succumbed to coronavirus. An article published in McKnight’s claims that the industry is now on a rebound. Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of the American Healthcare Association/National Center for Assisted Living was quoted saying, “this nightmare may be ending.”

In December 2020, the highest number of reported coronavirus cases were recorded. In the middle of the month almost 33,000 cases were reported. Since the coronavirus vaccinations have commenced, that number has declined by 82%. In comparison, in the beginning of February approximately 6,000 new cases were recorded. COVID-19 deaths have also declined by approximately 63%. This is due to the vaccinations of staff and residents. Additionally, most states have completed facility vaccinations by the March 1 target date. It is reported that 7.1 million doses has been administered in skilled nursing facilities out of which first doses constitute 4.6 million and second doses constitute 2.5 million.

The next goal for AHCA/NCAL and LeadingAge is to vaccinate at least 75% of nursing home staff by June 30^th.

With COVID-19 infection rates decreasing it is the hope that visitations will be allowed again and activities will resume says Chief Medical Officer David Gifford MD of AHCA/NCAL. With declining infection rates and deaths, nursing home providers are hoping to make a comeback soon.

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