President-elect Biden has begun the transition to a new administration with a much-needed focus on controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first weeks of November, U.S. hospitalizations from COVID-19 have reached an all-time high and the seven-day average number of deaths has exceeded 1,000 new deaths a day. New analysis shows 20 states with surges in infections also showing a four-fold increase in nursing home cases from May to October, pointing to the importance of controlling community spread if we are to protect older adults and people with disabilities residing in nursing facilities.
The toll of COVID-19 continues to have a disproportionate impact on older adults, no matter where they live. All parts of government – current and incoming – must work together with urgency to identify the best ways to protect and care for them.
The John A. Hartford Foundation welcomes the new administration and we stand ready to assist with efforts related to improving care for older adults now during the pandemic and in an ongoing way to create age-friendly health systems, support family caregivers and improve serious illness and end-of-life care.
Sincerely,
Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN
President