How The Global Pandemic Uncovered Nursing Home System In Need Of Repair And The

Nursing homes have long been a prominent part of the healthcare system, providing care and support to the elderly and vulnerable individuals. However, the global pandemic brought upon by the outbreak of COVID-19 has shed light on the fragile state of these facilities, exposing a need for repair and improvement on an unprecedented scale.

The pandemic revealed several alarming issues within nursing homes, including inadequate staffing, insufficient infection control protocols, and a lack of preparedness for emergencies. These issues have led to devastating consequences, with nursing home residents being disproportionately affected by the virus.

A Lack of Staffing

One of the major problems that the pandemic highlighted is the severe shortage of staff in nursing homes. Many facilities were already struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels prior to the pandemic, and the crisis only exacerbated this situation.

BROKEN: How the Global Pandemic Uncovered a Nursing Home System in Need of Repair and the Heroic Staff Fighting for Change

by Dr. Buffy Lloyd-Krejci(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7104 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	258 pages
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The lack of sufficient staff means that residents do not receive the necessary level of care and attention they deserve. It also leads to increased workloads for the existing staff members, further compromising the quality of care provided. This situation has contributed to the spread of infections within nursing homes, as the overworked staff may not have the time or resources to implement proper infection control measures.

Inadequate Infection Control Measures

The global pandemic has exposed the dire need for robust infection control protocols within nursing homes. The close living quarters and shared spaces in these facilities create the ideal conditions for the rapid spread of infectious diseases.

Prior to the pandemic, infection control measures in nursing homes were often subpar, lacking proper training, resources, and oversight. Many facilities had no set protocols in place to handle outbreaks and did not have access to essential personal protective equipment (PPE).

The lack of infection control measures not only puts residents at risk but also endangers staff members and visitors. It is crucial that nursing homes have comprehensive infection prevention and control plans in place to mitigate the risk of future outbreaks.

Emergency Preparedness

Another glaring issue that the pandemic highlighted is the lack of emergency preparedness in nursing homes. COVID-19 caught many facilities off-guard, leaving them ill-prepared to handle the crisis.

Emergency preparedness includes having adequate supplies of essential equipment, establishing clear communication channels, and having a well-defined plan in place to manage and mitigate emergencies. The pandemic has shown that many nursing homes are lacking in these areas.

Proper emergency preparedness is vital to ensure the safety and well-being of nursing home residents and staff. It is essential that these facilities prioritize emergency planning and regularly update their protocols to adapt to evolving threats.

Moving Towards Repair and Improvement

The global pandemic has been a wake-up call for the nursing home system, highlighting the urgent need for repair and improvement. Efforts must be made to address the staffing shortage, enhance infection control measures, and strengthen emergency preparedness.

First and foremost, increased investment is required to attract and retain qualified nursing home staff. This includes competitive salaries, improved working conditions, and ongoing training and support. Adequate staffing levels are essential to providing quality care and preventing future outbreaks in these facilities.

Secondly, nursing homes must implement comprehensive infection control measures. This includes regular testing of residents and staff, proper training on infection prevention and control, and access to necessary PPE. Facilities should also prioritize isolation and quarantine protocols to prevent the spread of infections.

Lastly, emergency preparedness must be a top priority for nursing homes. This includes regularly updating emergency plans, practicing drills, and establishing strong communication networks with local health authorities.

The global pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities and shortcomings of the nursing home system. It is crucial that we take this opportunity to rectify the issues and prioritize the well-being of our elderly population. By investing in staffing, infection control, and emergency preparedness, we can ensure safer and more reliable care for nursing home residents in the future.

BROKEN: How the Global Pandemic Uncovered a Nursing Home System in Need of Repair and the Heroic Staff Fighting for Change

by Dr. Buffy Lloyd-Krejci(Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7104 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	258 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Our elderly loved ones deserve to live out their final days with dignity and respect, not to be left alone to die in a broken system. But even before the COVID-19 pandemic, infectious diseases ran rampant in US nursing homes. Between one and three million infections resulted in 380,000 deaths among nursing home residents each year. That’s over 1,000 people per day. All because the nursing home industry has been struggling with infection prevention and control practices (IPC) for decades.

In BROKEN, Dr. Buffy Lloyd-Krejci exposes an industry in dire need of a massive policy overhaul. Travel with her to over two hundred nursing homes across the country as these deadly problems are brought into stark relief by the pandemic. Through interviews with patients, healthcare workers, advocate groups, and regulatory agencies, discover the critical flaws in a system that was set up to fail—and one doctor’s bold vision for change.