Thanks to changes to federal law in recent years and an active season of weather and other natural events, emergency preparedness is top-of-mind for long-term care facilities across the nation. Although the issue is constantly evolving, one thing is always certain: long-term care facilities play a critical role in the health of residents living in their communities when potential hazards surface.
As a health care product manufacturer, we at Encompass Group want to help our clients keep patients and residents safe and comfortable every day, especially during uncertain situations. Here are three ways we can help your facility prepare:
1. Develop a plan
Federal law requires Medicare and Medicaid-certified facilities to have written plans and procedures that address all potential emergencies a facility may be faced with. When your leadership team is creating or updating your emergency preparedness plan, invite Encompass to the table to identify which products you may need to care for your residents during difficult emergency situations.
2. Stock emergency supplies
Keeping extra supplies on-hand as reserves will help long-term care facilities continue consistent care for residents during an emergency situation, especially one that requires a facility to shelter-in-place. For example, a blizzard or hurricane may not require an evacuation but it would make it difficult for extra supplies to be delivered until weather calms and local crews clear pathways. Heat-reflective blankets, extra linens, and incontinent care bed pads are just a few examples of supplies that a long-term care facility may need to include in their emergency preparedness kits.
3. Partner with suppliers who will support you wherever you are
Although ideal, sheltering-in-place is not always an option and a full or partial evacuation of your facility may be necessary to ensure everyone is safe. We offer many disposable healthcare products that can be used to care for residents who have been evacuated to new locations until your facility is safe for residents and staff to return.
We can also expedite shipments of new supplies should a situation arise in which products at your facility have been lost or damaged due to an unfortunate event such as fire or flooding. Regardless of the circumstances, we are committed to supplying our customers with the products they require when they need them, where they need them.
At Encompass Group, we strive to always meet the needs of our clients and surpass their expectations. Message me on LinkedIn or call 1-800-245-4636 to begin your emergency preparedness planning process.
