As a caregiver for my mother living with Alzheimer’s Disease, I’m all too aware that those with dementia are particularly susceptible to COVID-19 due to their typical age and their significantly increased likelihood of coexisting chronic conditions.
Add that the community nature of nursing facilities and the susceptibility is even greater. Four months in, a local skilled-nursing facility has experienced a record 100 COVID-19 cases.
The Alzheimer’s Association is sounding the alarm and has released important guidance urging policymakers to implement new policy solutions to address the dramatic and evolving issues impacting nursing homes and assisted-living communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I call on policymakers to provide the same necessary response and resources seen for hospitals and for acute-care settings to our long-term care facilities.
Cynthia Leigh
Tierrasanta
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