Outliving COVID: The Lingering Impact on Nursing Home Residents

Increasing Prevalence of Long COVID in U.S. Nursing Homes

Long COVID common in U.S. nursing homes

Image Source: News Picture: Long COVID Now Common in U.S. Nursing Homes

Many of us have heard stories about the devastating toll that COVID-19 has taken on older adults living in nursing homes. But a recent study conducted by researchers from Michigan Medicine, the University of Michigan’s academic medical center, sheds light on a lesser-known consequence of the virus: long COVID.

Long COVID, as the name suggests, refers to the lingering effects of the virus that persist long after the acute infection period. And it turns out that nursing home residents who have had COVID-19 often experience a decline in their overall functioning, requiring more assistance with everyday activities such as bathing and using the toilet. It’s like they’re playing an unwelcome game of “COVID Takes a Toll on Basic Functions,” and they’re losing.

But it doesn’t stop there. The study also found that many of these residents experience a drop-off in their brain function. They’re not just dealing with physical “COVID Coasters,” they have to navigate the frustrating world of brain fog. It’s like their minds are stuck in a maze, desperately searching for the exit, but the pathways are blocked.

Dr. Lona Mody, one of the study’s co-authors, emphasized the burden this places on nursing home staff, who are already stretched thin. It’s like they’re playing a never-ending game of “COVID Whack-a-Mole,” with the virus constantly popping up and causing more challenges for everyone involved.

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To uncover the extent of these issues, the researchers looked at two groups of nursing home residents: one group who had tested positive for COVID-19 and another similar group who had not. What they found was eye-opening. The COVID survivors had continuing effects for an average of nine months. It’s like they’ve been sentenced to nine months of COVID-19 community service, with no escape in sight.

Tragically, 30% of the residents who had a confirmed case of COVID died during the follow-up period. That’s more than double the percentage of deaths in the comparison group. It’s like playing a game of “COVID Roulette,” with the virus claiming lives at random.

Now, let’s meet the players: these brave nursing home residents in Michigan. The majority of them were white women over 80 years of age, with several chronic health conditions and half experiencing the challenging world of dementia. And to add insult to injury, nearly all were unvaccinated when they contracted the virus. It’s like they were on a rollercoaster ride called “The Unvaccinated Express,” with twists, turns, and unexpected drops.

To measure the impact of COVID-19 on these residents, the researchers used two scales to assess their physical and mental functioning. They tracked their need for assistance with daily activities, such as getting dressed, going to the toilet, and bathing. They also evaluated their cognitive status, testing their ability to repeat and recall words and to know the current date. It’s like they were participating in a never-ending series of “COVID Olympics,” where every task required extra effort.

The study revealed a stark contrast. Before the pandemic, the two groups scored similarly on both their need for help with daily activities and their cognitive status. But those who tested positive for COVID-19 experienced a sudden decline in both measurements that lasted long after their infection. It’s like they were on a seesaw, only this time, the decline was permanent.

And for those facing the additional challenge of dementia, the decline was even faster. It’s like they were trying to outrun a relentless “COVID Dementia Express,” but their legs were losing strength with each passing day.

The researchers couldn’t ignore the impact of infection prevention measures in 2020 and 2021. The reduced social activity and limited visitation options may have played a role in the decline. It’s like they were caught in a maze of restrictions, desperately searching for a way out.

But here’s a glimmer of hope: the study found that COVID survivors without dementia gradually regained their ability to perform daily activities. It’s like they were embarking on a slow and steady journey of “COVID Recovery Road,” with each step bringing them closer to their pre-pandemic selves. A year after infection, they were nearly on par with their uninfected peers. It’s like they won a hard-fought battle against the virus, emerging triumphant on the other side.

Though the experience of these patients may not perfectly reflect the situation for vaccinated nursing home residents today, the message is clear. Getting vaccinated is crucial in protecting this vulnerable population from acute and long COVID. It’s like they’re opening a door to a room called “Protection and Prevention,” shielding themselves from the virus’s unwelcome intrusion.

So, let’s support nursing home residents, their families, and the dedicated staff who care for them. Let’s encourage everyone to get vaccinated and help ensure a brighter, healthier future. Together, we can overcome the challenges of COVID-19 and safeguard the well-being of those who need it most.

For more information on long COVID, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Source: Michigan Medicine-University of Michigan, news release, Nov. 21, 2023