Feeling powerless, families bring elderly home in pandemic

By ADAM GELLER
AP National Writer

ROTTERDAM JUNCTION, N.Y. (AP) — After nursing homes filled up with COVID cases and shut out visitors, some families brought their loved ones home. Unexpectedly caring for an elderly adult has brought families assurances and peace. It can also bring consequences to finances and relationships that could outlast the pandemic itself. It’s hard to know just how many families have made that decision during the pandemic. But a software provider that connects hospitals with nursing homes says this year has seen a 14 percent increase in patients discharged to go home. In a June survey by an industry group, operators of nearly four in ten nursing homes said they were losing money because patients were moving out.