Speak up for nursing home patients during the pandemic

So, what are Alabama's state leaders trying to hide? More than 20 other states are releasing COVID-19 information, why isn't Alabama?

AARP is concerned about the rapid spread of COVID-19 and rising number of deaths in our state’s nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to their advanced age and underlying health conditions. Worse, studies show the fatality rate for those over 80 is six times that of the rest of us.

AARP has been calling for increased transparency & reporting of nursing home illnesses, but the Alabama Department of Public Health says it won't give out the information. Residents and family members deserve to have this information for their own health decisions as they consider possible next steps and interventions for their loved ones.

That’s why AARP Alabama is calling for the state to shed light on what is happening in our long-term care facilities, and to take swift and decisive action to ensure the health and safety of residents and staff. Surrounding communities and first responders also urgently need this information in order to stay safe and contain community spread of the virus.

Coronavirus has meant most residents can't have in-person visitors, but it doesn't mean families can't have answers. It's time for full transparency and disclosure now, because information empowers families to act, speak up, and protect those we love.

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**If you are concerned about the safety of a loved one living in a nursing home, contact your local long term care ombudsman by calling 1-800-243-5463.

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Dear [Decision Maker],

Alabamians deserve to know what is happening in our nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The state should be upfront and regularly release the names of facilities along with the number COVID-19 cases (and deaths) among residents and staff.

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AARP has been calling for increased transparency of nursing home infections as well as for more personal protective equipment for staff and mandatory universal testing of residents and staff within these facilities. Surrounding communities and first responders also urgently need this information in order to stay safe and contain community spread of the virus.

Tell Governor Ivey to direct the Department of Public Health to release the names of nursing homes and assisted living facilities that have COVID-19 infections.The State must shed light on what is happening to ensure the health and safety of all Alabamians and their communities.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]