If you took a poll among people who work in long-term care, I’d bet the ranch that you would not find anyone who said, “I do this job for the money.” But you would, in fact, find MANY who would tell you that long-term care work is a calling, a tug at their souls and an honor. Most people who work in nursing homes have a compelling story about how they came to do this important work. But to be honest, it’s a hard job on the best of days.

It’s hard because it’s heavy. It’s hard because we see people in pain and grief. It’s hard because we give aid and care to people who don’t want to need it - let’s face it, no one ever says, “I can’t wait to have to move to a nursing home”! It’s hard because we care for more than just the patients - we try to care for their families too. And it’s hard because, with the exception of the nuclear power industry, no other industry in America has more rules and guidelines to follow.

Despite the challenges, as I said, most of those who work in Long Term Care do so out of a sense of calling and a desire to make a difference for the most vulnerable among us. It’s important, hard, beautiful work when there isn’t a pandemic raging. But when there is a pandemic raging?…it takes the challenge to a whole new level never seen before in our times!

So how exactly has Covid impacted Long Term Care?

During Covid, Skilled Nursing Homes have seen:

• Increased unpredictability

• Increased staffing instability

• Increased regulatory oversight and expectation

Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list, but in the coming weeks I will be addressing each of these topics in some depth as each has impacted the industry and created new challenges for both Skilled Nursing Facilities and for patients and families. These challenges are likely to remain with us for the foreseeable future and both staff as well as those with a loved one in skilled nursing care have certainly already felt the painful impact. As I cover each, I want to provide suggestions for your use in obtaining the best level of care possible for your loved one!

Caring together,

Bryan

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