Policy Series: Charting the Post-COVID-19 Course in Nursing Homes Through Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Location: 242 CC

CE: 1.5

Chair(s)

Thomas Caprio, MD, MPH, MS

Professor of Medicine
Department of Medicine
University of Rochester
Rochester, New York, United States

Discussant(s)

Brian Lindberg, MMHS (he/him/his)

Public Policy Advisor
Policy and Professional Affairs
The Gerontological Society of America
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Individual Symposium Abstract First Author(s)

Leland Waters, PhD

Director, Virginia Geriatric Education Center
Virginia Geriatric Education Center
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia, United States
MB

Marla Berg-Weger, PhD, LCSW, FGSA

Professor, Executive Director
School of Social Work and Geriatric Education Center
Saint Louis University - - St Louis, MO
Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
Sarah Ross, DO, MS, CMD

Associate Professor
Internal Medicine and Geriatrics
University of North Texas Health Science Center
Fort Worth, Texas, United States
SC

Sam Cotton, PhD

Assistant Professor
University of Louisville Trager Institute
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky, United States

Nursing homes sustained a disproportionate number of negative effects from the COIVD-19 pandemic including strained resources, significant decline in workforce capacity, high prevalence of infections and mortality among older adults, and a need for ongoing support and timely information related to COVID-19 vaccination and boosters. The HRSA-funded Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Programs (GWEPs) have responded to the growing need to support nursing homes in the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several of these GWEPs undertook new efforts under supplemental federal funding to conduct outreach and partner with nursing home stakeholders including direct care workers, residents, families, and community-based organizations to address gaps in education and training, to promote age-friendly care, and to address social determinants of health. In this symposium GWEPS from different geographic areas share their experiences in developing nursing home focused interventions, engaging feedback to refine curricula, and identify areas to advocate for future policy considerations to support and enhance nursing homes post-pandemic.

Learning Objectives:

Identify challenges encountered by nursing homes affecting the direct care workforce, older adult residents, and families as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Discuss the role of the Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program in utilizing strategic partnerships to support the learning needs of nursing home stakeholders.
Review lessons learned and policy implications for supporting nursing homes during the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presentations:

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Age-Friendly Care: A Framework to Address Health Disparities in Nursing Homes
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Leland Waters, PhD – Virginia Commonwealth University
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Strategies for Supporting Nursing Homes in the Pandemic Recovery and Beyond
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Marla Berg-Weger, PhD, LCSW, FGSA – Saint Louis University - - St Louis, MO
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Promoting Resident Safety Through Training for Certified Nurse Aides, Residents, Families, and Ombudsmen
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Sarah E. Ross, DO, MS, CMD – University of North Texas Health Science Center
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM ET

Addressing the Needs of Nursing Homes Using Multiple Approaches to Education and Support
Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Sam Cotton, PhD – University of Louisville