A new AARP telephone and online survey finds overwhelming support from the general public for personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, with 99% of respondents saying Congress should ensure it.
The 2,796 adults aged 50 and older who were surveyed also conveyed expectations for senior living communities and skilled nursing facilities, however. A majority of respondents called for assisted living and other residential care facilities as well as nursing homes to be required to make video visitation available to family members (96%), to disclose active coronavirus infections (96%) and to ensure adequate staffing levels.
Survey results were released Thursday.
Based on overall results that 96% of older Americans “support” or “strongly support” more legislative action to address the COVID-19 crisis in senior living and nursing facilities, AARP state leaders and volunteers are visiting virtually with federal lawmakers April 29 to May 5 during a “Virtual Lobby Week” to call for more action.
“On behalf of our 38 million members and broader constituency of Americans age 50 and up, AARP is calling on Congress to act quickly on a number of pressing needs, including protecting residents of nursing homes and other care facilities, expanding food assistance for the most vulnerable, and helping state and local government close budget gaps,” AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond said in a statement. “This pandemic is putting tremendous pressure on older adults and their families.”
The survey also found support for sick leave for workers on the front lines of the coronavirus outbreak, including healthcare, grocery store, delivery and restaurant employees. When it comes to reopening the economy, survey respondents said they would support it only after widespread testing is implemented.
