Revealing the divide: Contrasting COVID-19 outcomes in Green Houses and traditional nursing homes in the United States

Abstract

IntroductionThis study compares COVID-19 case and mortality rates in Green Houses (GHs) and traditional nursing homes (NHs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsCMS data from 10 states (June 2020 to September 2022) were analyzed for GHs (n = 19), small NHs (n = 266), and large NHs (n = 2,932). Multivariate Poisson regressions with GEE were used. ResultsParticipants (mean age 73.4) were predominantly female (57.8 %) and White (78.2 %). Small and large NHs had a significantly higher COVID-19 case risk (RR = 1.61; 95 % CI 1.25–2.08 and RR = 1.75; 95 % CI 1.36–2.24, respectively) compared to GHs. Large NHs also had an increased mortality risk (RR = 1.67; 95 % CI 1.01–2.77) compared to GHs, with no difference found between GHs and small NHs. ConclusionAfter adjusting for age, gender, and ADL disability, GHs demonstrated lower COVID-19 case and mortality rates than traditional NHs, likely due to their unique features, including person-centered care, size, and physical structure.