BETHESDA, Md. — Nursing homes are warning a third wave of COVID may be slamming into America's most vulnerable right now.
With coronavirus cases spiking in 38 states, the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living said deaths in nursing homes are likely to rise, too.
The pandemic hit nursing homes early. Pleasant View Nursing in Mt. Airy, Maryland, for instance, was anything but, with at least 28 deaths, including retired D.C. firefighter Gary Holmberg, and 87 sick patients.
"His eyes were open, but he couldn't respond because he was trying to get air," his daughter, Tracy Shavell, said in April.
The American Health Care Association said cases in nursing homes fell after May, but then peaked again in July, and are now starting to climb again. Deaths are still decreasing, but as community spread increases, the association warns deaths are likely to follow.
"This is a five-alarm fire in our communities," warned Dr. Imran Andrabi, President and CEO of ThedaCare.
The Kaiser Family Foundation said 21,720 long-term care facilities have already been hit nationwide, killing 84,136 people. In Maryland, the foundation said 2,160 people have died in nursing homes, and1,646 people died in Virginia.
"When people are watching the Washington Football Team play this weekend, just remember, we've already had two stadiums full of people that we've lost," Dr. Brian Castrucci, CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation, a public health nonprofit. said. "It is shocking only as much as we still have people debating whether to wear a mask. We have the highest levels of federal leadership holding mass gatherings as part of a campaign."
The nursing home association is pleading with politicians to stop bickering and send them help.
