Older American advocates have reported staff and personal protection equipment (PPE) shortages in SC nursing homes.

Yet their latest findings show progress is being made.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) South Carolina reported the shortages despite more than $60 million in federal funds for SC nursing homes.

AARP also thanked Gov.

Henry McMaster for his actions to protect nursing home residents and staff.

Initial AARP Nursing Home covid-19 data showed South Carolina:

• Had the highest death rate in the nation for nursing home residents.

• Was above the national average in all 5 key measures.

These measures include:

• Resident covid-19 case and death rates

• Staff case rates.

• Percentage of facilities without a 1-week supply of PPE

• Percentage of facilities with staffing shortages

The latest data finds SC nursing homes improved to nearly the national average.

The data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is self-reported by nursing homes.

From Sept. 21-Oct. 18, SC nursing homes had:

• 0.58 covid-19 deaths per 100 residents, down from 1.2 • 4.39 cases per 100 residents, down from 5.8 in the previous 4-weeks

AARP has called for a plan to protect nursing home and long-term care residents.