BRATTLEBORO — I enjoyed very much the article about COVID prevention in elder-care institutions. However, I think you missed a great opportunity to acknowledge the difference between nursing homes and assisted-living homes.This is a very important distinction, but the article uses the terms “nursing home” and “assisted living” seemingly interchangeably.
These two types of institution serve different (though somewhat overlapping) populations; they are staffed differently and capable of different levels of care, have very different cost and coverage options, and are regulated and overseen very differently.
Confusion about this is common. Mistaken expectations, as well as fear of such institutions, can leave families without a clear understanding of their options, and elders with suboptimal care.
You might address this in a future story.