Nursing homes need to be a priority when personal protective equipment (PPE) is being distributed. And these facilities also need to be required to have a nurse on staff 24 hours a day. Across the United States, nursing homes trying to protect their residents from the coronavirus. They still await boxes of face masks, eyewear and gowns promised by the federal government. As nursing homes remain the pandemic’s epicenter, the federal government is failing to ensure these facilities have all PPE, needed to prevent the spread of the virus, according to interviews with administrators and federal data.
High prices and uncertain sources
Almost 3,000 nursing homes across the U.S. reported a shortage of nursing staff, clinical workers, aides, or other staff as of June 28. While almost 2,700 reported a shortage of PPE, according to a July 21 issue brief from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).
Nursing homes account for an outsized number of total COVID-19 cases, with some states putting the tally over 80%. But action on federal promises to ensure PPE access and delivery has been inconsistent, operators told the news outlet. In some cases, shipments are still pending. In others, the equipment delivered is not fully protective or of poor quality, they said. Some administrators described continuing to scrounge for supplies in a chaotic market with high prices and uncertain sources.
For five months, elected officials have known that nursing homes are a hotbed for COVID-19. Still, North Carolina nursing homes and long-term care facilities face shortages of PPE for residents and staff. More than 50,000 residents and staff of nursing homes and long-term care facilities already dead. Then, Congress cannot allow this disgrace to continue.
It is past time for our elected officials in Washington to ensure regular testing and sufficient supplies of PPE for residents and staff. Daily public reporting of COVID-19 cases and deaths; and options for families to visit virtually with their loved ones.
No one should face this struggle. No state can combat this virus alone. Families want elected leaders to take action now to protect residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. For the most part, nursing homes have been purchasing their own equipment and PPE. This has become easier to obtain though it remains extremely expensive. Besides, the state has been a good partner, particularly when there have been outbreaks within facilities.
