Supply Chain Shortages in 2023: What Caretakers Should Expect
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Supply Chain Shortages in 2023: What Caretakers Should Expect

When people or the news are talking about the supply chain, they are referring to everything from making an item in a factory to transporting it to selling it to people in stores. When there is a problem in the supply, it impacts everyone, from the workers to the consumers. Disruptions in the supply chain slow down the ability to produce an item and get it into the consumer's hands. When this plays out in real life, a supply chain problem occurs, such as the current one that involves a shortage with the supply of cold medicine

What Is the Cold Medicine Supply Chain Shortage? 

The cold medicine shortage involved problems with the factories' inability to produce enough, plus the high demand for these products. Consequently, American retail stores will have issues making this important product available to vulnerable seniors. Some stores may restrict the number of items or limit a person's purchase quantity while waiting for more to arrive from backorder. Seniors and their caregivers will be impacted by a continued supply chain shortage of over-the-counter, non-prescription, and some prescription medication in 2023. Regarding the antibiotic shortage, experts predict it will resolve itself by February.

Can Seniors and Their Caregivers Avoid Supply Chain Shortages?

There are a few proactive steps to take in order to avoid being inconvenienced by supply chain shortages. One way is to read the news and discover which products are experiencing known shortages in 2023. The products range from food items to medication. Once a senior is aware of the scarcity, it's possible to stock up on the item by finding alternative ways to purchase it. Lastly, take inventory of one's current supply and plan what you'll need in the coming months. 

For example, with cough medication, it's possible to use the Internet to order cold and flu products or have the senior's doctor prescribe an alternative medication. Even if a senior or their caregiver is not ill, you may anticipate at least one viral illness and buy cold medicine. Many supply chain shortages correct over time, but the key is to not panic and avoid the shortage by securing essential items ahead of time. 

How Do You Know When There Is a Shortage? Can People Predict This?

In many economic publications or the news, there will often be articles covering shortages. When the Coronavirus pandemic occurred, and major news stories covered the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations to use hand sanitizer, so many consumers tried to purchase it that retailers struggled to meet the demands, and a shortage occurred. In terms of predicting a shortage, The Penny Hoarder has already released information about tentative 2023 shortages. In some cases, shortages are ongoing and reflective of the ones already occurring, like with cold medicine.

However, new ones that arise can result from various reasons. The lettuce shortage is an example of a domestic agricultural problem where the supply is limited due to crop disease. 

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration keeps track of all drug shortages reported in the United States, so we recommend that seniors, their caregivers, their adult children, or those responsible for their medication check the list and pay attention to prospective shortages.

We Can Help

Senior Helpers South Orange County works with the communities in the southern part of the county, which includes Irvine, Santa Ana, Tustin, and more. Contact us to learn more about the services we provide with medication management and help for seniors in the southern part of Orange County.