
Ah yes, the COVID pandemic continues to challenge patients and healthcare professionals. It just never seems to really “go away” does it? Looking back on the pandemic can send shivers down your spine but understanding the impact it has had on many people in the long-term is even more disturbing! We have all heard about long COVID, some people don’t believe it exists, others are living with ongoing symptoms.
Whatever your opinion is about “long COVID”, rest assured, there is someone who will disagree. That said, studies continue to be done on the possibility that the virus can and has had a direct impact on overall health as we know it. Think about this. A recent study looked at the connection between long COVID and taste dysfunction. What the study found was that taste dysfunction was gone one year after acute COVID-19, but smell loss remained for some people. Do this, pinch your nose, take a taste of food. Can’t taste it right? Can you imagine not enjoying your favorite foods?
Now look at your resident monthly weight logs. Notice any changes? Are residents consuming less food at meals? Are service carts returning to the dietary department with more uneaten food on them? Sounds silly but think of the ramifications. If you have residents living with long COVID, they may have lost their ability to taste/enjoy food. Pay attention, weight loss can be insidious and lead to an overall decline. Might be time to have a discussion with your QAPI committee. It can’t hurt, it might help prevent resident declines. Stay well and stay informed!