The Longstanding Issues Within Long-Term Care

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic unveiled frightening vulnerabilities within the long-term care system in the United States, as evidenced by disorganized management and high proportions of outbreaks within facilities. Systemic faults can be explained by historical roots of nursing home facilities as poorhouses and the longstanding tug-and-pull conflict between prioritizing resident autonomy versus safety. Moreover, legal and financial conflicts of interest have interfered with the optimal implementation of ideal long-term care principles. Tracing flaws within the long-term care system is vital to prevent similar crises from unfolding in the future, as the elderly population grows worldwide.