If personal protective equipment is in short supply at your community, you’re hardly alone. At least, that’s what new findings by Premier strongly suggest.
The supplier’s survey of nearly 2,500 assisted living communities and skilled nursing facilities found that nearly one in four communities (24%) do not have any N95 masks available. Moreover, most respondents have less than two weeks’ supply of surgical masks, isolation gowns or face shields in stock.
Other items in short supply included thermometers, exam gloves, alcohol pads, soaps / detergents and hand sanitizers. Ninety-six percent of the respondents have begun implementing PPE conservation strategies.
In addition, 70% of the respondents indicated they are not fully prepared to treat an increasing number of COVID-19 cases as the virus surges. Further, 48% of respondents say they are experiencing staff-attendance challenges.
