COVID-19 CASE AND MORTALITY RATES IN GREEN HOUSES AND TRADITIONAL NURSING HOMES IN NEW YORK STATE

Abstract

Abstract Introduction. Green Houses (GHs) have features that distinguish them from traditional nursing homes (NHs) including small size, home-like settings, humane model of care, and a sense of community. Literature shows these features have contributed to lower staff turnover, higher resident satisfaction, and lower COVID-19 case and mortality rates. Few studies use longitudinal data to quantify the differences between GHs and NHs by examining COVID-19 case and mortality rates. Methods. Nursing Home COVID-19 Data from CMS were used to compare case and mortality rates between GHs (n=4) and NHs (n=614) from 5/2020 to 1/2022. Case and mortality rates were calculated for GHs and NHs. Incidence rate ratio (IRR) of case and mortality rates were provided. Results. The preliminary results indicate GHs have lower COVID-19 case (3.76 vs. 6.8 per 1,000 resident weeks) and mortality rates (0.35 vs 1.21 per 1,000 resident weeks) compared to NHs. The IRR for COVID-19 cases is significantly higher in NHs compared to GHs (IRR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.55, 2.11), likewise, for mortality (IRR = 3.45; 95% CI 2.09, 5.75). Conclusions. The findings illuminate key differences in COVID-19 case and mortality rates among GHs and NHs. Factors such as GH size and their unique care model may contribute to the differences observed in COVID-19 case and mortality rates when compared to NHs. Future studies may include facility or resident characteristics in the study design.