This call to action was written by an international consortium of long term care researchers.  They draw a direct line from the societal under-responses, globally, for the support and safety of workers in nursing homes to the devaluation of these workers and nursing home residents.

The authors provide some short term considerations for nursing home leaders and policy makers to support the well-being of their residents and staff:

• Clear direction and guidance in keeping staff informed through daily huddles and messaging platforms to enhance communication
• Keep staff healthy and focus on stress management as well as meeting their basic needs including providing daily meals and promoting physical activities
• Implementing new clinical changes including offering hazard and sick pay, proper PPE training for staff, and policies to expand the work force
• Supporting end-of-life care through implementing education/training opportunities to insure staff have the proper knowledge and skills

Longer-term solutions in nursing homes are also needed to combat the poor public image, address a broken funding system, improve working conditions for staff, and address the lack of meaningful data to monitor and develop practice. The authors recommend:

• A focus on leadership training for nurses in nursing homes
• Appropriately staffing facilities, and equipping staff with appropriate tools and training, to address both the social and medical needs of residents
• Use of interprofessional teams and changing the culture to support person-centered working environments