SNFs reported decline in occupancy rates - Industry Discussion

McKnight’s published on 4/6/20 “NIC report: Half of SNFs reported declines in occupancy rates and deceleration in move-in rates last month.” As a clinician and a part of the healthcare arena serving the long-term care population for over twenty-five years, this topic started a discussion with our peers: when will we see census come back? Here are some questions that we pose to the community:

• Will there be an influx of people who have been on ventilators, are now recovering and will need skilled care?
• Will there be an influx of people who are recovering from COVID that need skilled care?
• Are SNF’s adapting to serve the changing population, for example set up COVID wings?
• In states that are not seeing high numbers of COVID cases, will these states initiate elective surgeries earlier, if so when?
• In states that are seeing higher volumes of COVID cases, what has there been any discussion as to when elective surgeries will be resumed? 
• Prior to COVID, what percentage of elective surgeries resulted in skilled stays for rehabilitation services?  In the future, do we anticipate this to be the same, or decrease?
• Are you experiencing staffing shortages due to the coronavirus in your facilities?  If so, what mitigation steps have you put into place in an effort to prevent pressure injuries?

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Our healthcare world has certainly changed.  Partnership, community and collaboration are imperative as we navigate these new waters together.  I look forward to hearing your replies!
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​Author: Sarah Holden-Mount, PT, CWS, FACCW
​​Author Bio: Sarah is a licensed physical therapist and has concentrated in the field of wound care. Her clinical practice has included settings in acute, sub-acute, out patient, wound care clinics, and all areas of post-acute care.  She holds Diplomate status as a Certified Wound Care Specialist with the American Academy of Wound Management and is also a Fellow in the College of Certified Wound Specialists. Sarah is currently sitting on the Board of Directors for National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP); she is Chair of the Policy Committee and previously sat on the Panel for many years prior.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from and has been an adjunct faculty at Northeastern University, assisting with developing and lecturing the wound care curriculum.  She has also been a guest speaker for various organizations focusing on the area of wound care and management.