Influenza preparedness in Nebraska assisted living facilities

Abstract

We conducted an electronic survey to determine the state of planning for pandemic influenza in assisted living facilities. A survey instrument was designed with input from a number of experts and sent out to 275 Nebraska assisted living facilities; responses were received from 137. The survey covered approximately 20 areas related to preparedness. About one-third of assisted living facilities had a pandemic influenza plan; 45% had started stockpiling, and 55% expected significant staff shortages in a pandemic. Only 5% were willing to discharge current patients to make room for overflow hospital patients. Assisted living facilities have started pandemic influenza planning, but additional work needs to be done. These facilities are unlikely to be able to assist with hospital patient overflow in a pandemic.