Nursing home workers warn Congress ‘crisis is far from over’ even after Covid vaccines – WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio

WASHINGTON DC – The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of nursing home residents and workers across the country.

>>RELATED: COVID-19 boosters: FDA to release more doses of updated Moderna boosters

Now, even with the help of Covid-19 vaccines and boosters, which the industry says have dramatically improved conditions in nursing homes, employees and people with loved ones in nursing homes are ringing the bell. alarm to Congress that they still need help.

Samantha Manning of News Center 7 told a House hearing this week that they were reporting widespread staffing shortages and low wages for nursing home workers.

“The crisis in our nursing homes is far from over,” said Adelina Ramos, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in Rhode Island. “We continue to face severe staffing shortages. The CNAs are exhausted, mentally, physically. Our salary is so low that some of us have to work two or three jobs.

Ramos said lack of resources often forces workers to choose between helping one elderly resident in need over another.

“I can’t describe how painful it is when we have to make these kinds of choices,” Ramos said.

Manning reports that the testimony called for improved compensation for workers responsible for caring for elderly residents.

“They also need the resources, compensation, training and support to provide that care,” said Dr. Alice Bonner, chair of the Moving Forward Nursing Home Quality Coalition and senior advisor on aging at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

>>FRONT COVER: Coronavirus: US government orders nursing homes to lift pandemic restrictions

The moving testimony of a Brooklyn man underscored the urgency of keeping residents safe during a health crisis like the pandemic.

“I had four members of my family who died,” said Daniel Arbeeny. “My father, my uncle, my two close cousins ​​from the virus. Three of them were in retirement homes.

Arbeeny argues that these nursing home deaths are due to a 2020 New York state directive that nursing homes admit Covid-19 patients.

He is suing the former governor of New York and other officials for failing to ensure the safety of his father and other residents.

“These are the ones we are supposed to honor and protect, and we have failed,” Arbeeny said. “We have failed miserably.”

Witnesses called for greater accountability from care home owners and government agencies overseeing facilities.

“We’re sick of the disrespect nursing owners and lawmakers have for our staff,” Ramos said. “Change must happen now.”

©2022 Cox Media Group