The need to include assisted living in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors:
ZIMMERMAN Sheryl, et al
Journal article citation:
Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 21(5), 2020, pp.572-575.
Publisher:
Elsevier (for the American Medical Directors Association)

The risk of complications and death from COVID-19 is markedly skewed toward older adults. In the United States and many other countries, nursing homes are not the only congregate setting that serves older adults with underlying chronic medical conditions. More so, they have been a shrinking component of the residential long-term care system, with some of the largest growth having been in assisted living. Assisted living communities are not the same as nursing homes. In fact, there are several distinct components of assisted living that make this a unique setting and one not to be ignored in relation to COVID-19 planning and response. This editorial summarises key differences between nursing homes and assisted living and their related implications for care during the coronavirus pandemic. (Edited publisher abstract)

Subject terms:
nursing homes, residential care, supported housing, care homes, older people, infectious diseases, infection control, Covid-19;
Content types:
research, perspective
Location(s):
United States
Links:
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DOI:
10.1016/j.jamda.2020.03.024
ISSN print:
1525-8610

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