Tag: nursing homes

There’s no question that the coronavirus pandemic has hit the Golden State’s seniors hard. Californians age 65 and up make up just 15.6% of the state’s overall population, but state data indicates they account for 74% of coronavirus-related deaths. The statistics are even more stark for the very oldest residents — those 80 and up. That group makes up less than 4% of the population but accounts for nearly 40% of fatalities linked to COVID-19.

An 88-year-old woman in Ohio broke down in tears as her son hugged her for the first time in a year. Nursing home residents and staff in California sang “Over the Rainbow” as they resumed group activities and allowed visitors back in. A 5-year-old dove into the lap of her 94-year-old great-great-aunt for a long embrace in Rhode Island.

Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will resume routine inspections of all Medicare and Medicaid certified providers and suppliers to improve the safety and quality of life of patients and residents. CMS had previously suspended certain routine inspections as part of its response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to prioritize infection control and immediate jeopardy situations and to give health care providers and suppliers time needed to respond to the spread of COVID-19.