The VA's Long-Term Care Strike Team Supporting Florida's Nursing Homes Workforce. (17th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Golden, Adam
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 5(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 380
• Page End: 380
• Publication Date: 2021-12-17
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.1476
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: In coordination with the Florida Department of Health, the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) established Long-Term Care Strike Teams to provide services to the LTC facilities most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic across the state of Florida. Between April 2020 through September 2020, the Strike Teams provided direct patient care to community residents, infection control/ prevention education, and patient/staff COVID-19 swabbing. We encountered facilities with large numbers of staff infected with COVID-19 and agency staff that were refusing to come to "COVID-infected" facilities. Remaining staff, including the administrators, were under much psychological distress. However, our experience supporting the long-term care facilities also had a major impact on our own perceptions of nursing home care. The bravery, dedication, and caring that we witnessed reinforced that the health care workers in long-term care facilities are true heroes.