Planning Today for a Pandemic Tomorrow
The New Jersey Hospital Association has issued a preparedness guide for nursing homes in the event of an influenza pandemic.
The guide, which was modeled after the one NJHA developed for hospitals, includes recommendations for clinical, operational and communications planning. This tool kit is being sent to the state’s own long-term care facilities, as well as associations in other states.
Whether a pandemic is mild or severe, nursing homes need to plan for restricted visitation, equipment and supply shortages and a sharp increase in the demand for services, according to the guide. The plan walks administrators through reviewing existing procedures and offers help for developing new ones.
