COVID-19 and homes for the aged: care or an announced death?

Despite all efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, little attention has been paid to homes for the aged, which are the home of thousands of older people and serve as social care facilities. There is no provision in the national regulations for the operation of these long-term care facilities with respect to physical structure, human resources or equipment to offer specific health care services to residents. Thus, homes for the aged are unable to offer proper care to people with COVID-19. These facilities have had difficulty in acquiring and maintaining the stocks of personal protective equipment for residents and staff. This letter is intended to draw attention to this reality and prevent the occurrence of a cruel and inhumane geronticide. Government authorities and the media need to work together and help unveil this reality, which, although present, is hidden and unknown to the majority of the population.