Indiana National Guard is leaving nursing homes. Here's when they'll leave your facility.

Indiana National Guard members tasked with helping nursing homes respond to the coronavirus pandemic will return to their normal lives over the next several weeks.

More than 1,500 national guard soldiers were deployed to Indiana nursing facilities in November to help an "exhausted" staff care for residents.

"We have received countless notes of appreciation and heard numerous stories of how much this support has meant to all of you," the Indiana State Department of Health wrote in a newsletter announcing the Guard's exit. "The work of these soldiers has boosted morale, helped free up staff to provide clinical care, and has no doubt saved lives."

IndyStar's nursing home investigation: What you need to know.

Guard members are scheduled to leave nursing homes about seven days after the date of the second round of COVID-19 vaccinations at the facilities, though some will leave a few days before or after that date. Guard members could leave as early as January 31 and as late as March 15, according to the state's plan. Residents and families can find specific information about their facilities here.

Even before the pandemic, Indiana nursing homes struggled with staffing. An IndyStar investigation published in March revealed that the state's average staffing level, when adjusted for residents needs, ranked 48th in the nation. IndyStar's investigation found that more than $1 billion in Medicaid funds earmarked for nursing homes was used instead on projects at county hospitals, which have purchased almost all of Indiana's nursing homes to access the extra cash.

IndyStar found that the chronically low staffing levels put Indiana nursing homes at a significant disadvantage when the coronavirus pandemic hit. At least half of the COVID-19 deaths in Indiana have been long-term care residents, according to Indiana's coronavirus dashboard. The national rate is 36%, according calculations by the COVID Tracking Project and The New York Times.

Gov. Eric Holcomb's administration has announced a package of nursing home reforms aimed at addressing cost and quality issues, but many details of the plan are yet to be determined.

Emily Hopkins is a data reporter for IndyStar's investigative team. Reach them at 317-444-6409 or emily.hopkins@indystar.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana National Guard is leaving nursing homes. Here's when they'll leave your facility.

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