Health Affairs Publishes New Age-Friendly Health Papers in February and March
Health Affairs has published three new Age-Friendly Health research papers and a Narrative Matters essay in its February and March issues along with a Health Affairs Forefront article and a Health Podyssey episode. These are all part of Health Affairs' Age-Friendly Health Series supported by JAHF.
Health Affairs March issue:
The Effects Of Labor Unions On Nurse Staffing Ratios And Quality Of Care In US Nursing Homes, 2013–21 by Adam Dean, Jamie McCallum, Atheendar S. Venkataramani, Paula Chatterjee, Norma B. Coe and David Michaels
This study examines how labor unionization affects nurse staffing and quality of care in U.S. nursing homes between 2013 and 2021. The authors find that unionization led to more licensed practical nurse hours but fewer registered nurse hours, while overall staffing levels remained largely unchanged. Despite this shift in staffing mix, the study found no evidence that unionization reduced the quality of care for nursing home residents.
State Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Mandates: Increased Staff Levels, Minimal Impact On Finances And Closures, 2010–23 by Rachel M. Werner, Xinwei Chen, Norma B. Coe and Andrew R. Olenski
The authors examines how state minimum staffing mandates affected staffing levels, finances and closures in U.S. nursing homes from 2010 to 2023. The authors find that mandates increased total staffing levels by about five percent, mainly through higher licensed practical nurse and certified nursing assistant hours. The mandates did not harm nursing homes' finances or increase closures, suggesting they can raise staffing levels without undermining financial viability.
Narrative Matters: A Geriatric Geriatrician Speaks Out by Jerald Winakur
In this essay, a retired geriatrician shares stories from his career and retirement, when he continues helping older adults and families who feel lost in today's health care system. He highlights the importance of geriatric care, which focuses on listening, clinical judgment and compassion for the complex needs of older adults. The piece also warns of a growing shortage of geriatricians as the U.S. population ages and calls for stronger support and incentives to expand the geriatrics workforce.
Health Affairs Forefront:
Unfounded Fraud Allegations Threaten Vital Medicaid Home And Community-Based Services by Jane Tavares Alison Barkoff Sara Rosenbaum Marc A. Cohen
The article reviews CMS’s efforts to address Medicaid fraud and highlights concerns about the potential impact of broad enforcement actions on home and community‑based services.
Health Affairs February issue:
Staffing Conditions In US Nursing Homes Before, During And After The COVID-19 Pandemic by Deepon Bhaumik, Momotazur Rahman, Emily A. Gadbois, Elizabeth M. White, Brian E. McGarry, Fangli Geng, Robert Tyler Braun and David C. Grabowski
This study examines how staffing levels and turnover in U.S. nursing homes changed before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic using national payroll data from 2018 to 2024. Staffing levels increased briefly early in the pandemic because resident census declined, but later fell below prepandemic levels before gradually recovering by late 2024. The findings highlight ongoing workforce challenges and suggest policymakers should consider additional strategies to ensure adequate nursing home staffing.
Health Podyssey:
Podcast: Jennifer Wolff on The Growing Number of Family Caregivers for Older Adults
Health Affairs' Senior Deputy Editor Rob Lott interviews Jennifer Wolff of John Hopkins University about her recent paper that explores the increasing number of family caregivers that are assisting older US adults, including adults with dementia.
Visit the Health Affairs Age-Friendly Health series.
Go to the Health Affairs Age-Friendly Health call for submissions.
Learn more about JAHF's co-support of Health Affairs.
