Impossible Expectations Are Undermining Nursing Home Care

The nursing home sector faces significant challenges, with closures in states like Maine and Montana exacerbating access issues for elderly residents. Despite President Biden's criticisms, nursing homes have shown exceptional efforts to recruit and retain staff, evidenced by substantial wage increases since the pandemic's onset. Nursing homes are heavily regulated, contrary to claims of lax standards. The proposed staffing mandate further burdens facilities already grappling with financial strain. Additionally, the administration's focus on nursing homes for COVID-19 vaccinations overlooks broader challenges. Nursing homes play a crucial role in providing care, yet their struggles are often disregarded by policymakers, endangering access to essential services for vulnerable populations.