Latest Data Shows Florida COVID Cases and Deaths Declining in Nursing Homes

Destructive Legislation that Gives Nursing Homes Immunity Passes Final Committee Stops

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 11, 2021

CONTACT: Jamie Champion Mongiovi, AARP Florida
(850) 559-7003, jchampion@aarp.org 

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. – The latest release of AARP's Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard shows that both cases and deaths in nursing homes fell in the four weeks ending February 14. Although these rates are declining, new infections and deaths in Florida nursing homes are still higher than they were at the start of summer 2020.

AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson said, “We will never forget the pain and tragedy the past year has brought upon Florida, our nation, and the world. A year into COVID-19, we honor those who died, and we are reminded of the many sacrifices of family, friends and loved ones. The pandemic is not over yet, and we must ensure that Florida’s vaccine rollout is focused on increased transparency, equity and access so we can finish this fight.

“The appalling conditions in some of Florida’s long-term care facilities were thrust into the spotlight by COVID-19, reminding us that severe shortages of PPE and well-trained staff are still major issues that need to be addressed. These ongoing struggles existed long before the pandemic. Now, these problems have made it even more evident that Florida needs real solutions to the widespread crises in our long-term care system. Instead of working toward a solution, the Florida legislature is fast-tracking bills (SB 72/HB 7005) that would let nursing homes off the hook, blocking victims and their families from holding them accountable.

“Let me be clear: This is not the answer. A recent AARP survey showed us that more than 95 percent of Florida 50+ voters across party lines strongly believe that nursing homes should be held accountable. They also feel that quality care in Florida’s nursing homes is essential. We will continue to ensure that older Floridians have a voice, and it’s time for lawmakers to listen. We need a genuine dialogue that inspires action if we’re going to fix these systemic problems.”

The latest dashboard release shows deaths of nursing home residents are slightly lower than what they were in the previous time period, dropping from a rate of .72 to .62 per 100 residents. New infections among residents and staff also declined to about half of previous levels. Resident cases fell from 6.4 to 3.3 per 100 residents, and new staff cases declined from 6.7 to 3.6 per 100 residents.

AARP continues to call on Florida legislators and community leaders to better protect residents and staff of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities from COVID-19 by:

• Prioritizing regular and ongoing testing and adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for residents and staff—as well as inspectors and any visitors.
• Ensuring quality care for residents through adequate staffing, strict regulatory oversight, and access to in-person formal advocates, called long-term care Ombudsmen.
• Rejecting COVID-19 related civil liability immunity for long-term care facilities.
  

Using data released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services—which is self-reported by nursing homes—the AARP Public Policy Institute, in collaboration with the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University in Ohio, created the AARP Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard to provide four-week snapshots of the virus' infiltration into nursing homes and impact on nursing home residents and staff. The dashboard will continue to be updated every four weeks. The complete dashboard is available at aarp.org/nursinghomedashboard.

The federal data do not include coronavirus cases among residents or staff of assisted-living facilities, group homes and other congregate elder-care facilities. That data is included in Florida government statistics.

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AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.