Supply Chain Shortages in 2023: What Caregivers Should Expect
Many American seniors and their respective caregivers or adult children face 2023 with a bit of unease and uncertainty about potential supply chain shortages. Based on findings in The Economist, businesses are still struggling with slumps due to workers in "many industries and the logistics businesses that weaves them together" remaining in quarantine. In other words, multiple businesses still feel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This, in turn, impacts the local marketplace.
Many seniors may have lived through The Great Recession, the oil embargo of the 1970s, and other times of shortage. Thus, they know how to limit quantities of items wisely. Over the years, even modernized nations have learned to anticipate shortages in goods and supplies.
In late 2022, Americans encountered a decline in the availability of several consumer goods. This includes medication, a continued climb in gas prices, and shoppers bearing the costs of inflation. Many people discovered higher grocery bills, restricted shopping times, and a scarcity of medical supplies.
As Americans ring in 2023 and carry forward to a New Year, there will still be some consumer goods shortages. However, it is possible to anticipate shortages by planning ahead.
Below are some supply chain shortages expected in 2023, and tips on how seniors, their family members, and caregivers can navigate through the challenges.
Nonprescription and Prescription Drugs
In the United States, CNN reported that consumers faced shortages of amoxicillin in late December. One generic drug manufacturer attributed the cause to the combination in rapid succession of the pandemic impact and consequent demand swings, manufacturing capacity constraints, scarcity of raw materials, and the current energy crisis.
In other words, a unique compound of various stressors on the economy and an energy shortage where the medication is produced caused seniors to have difficulty filling amoxicillin prescriptions. Luckily, many of these factories are gearing up extra supplies and this shortage will likely end in early 2023.
The other issue facing consumers is a shortage of over-the-counter medications and cold/ flu products. As one outlet in Boston explained, stores began running out of the go-to remedies for treating the symptoms of viral infections with the children's supply first. They then ran into shortages of the supply for all ages. The trend has continued throughout flu season as more and more people become ill and require medicine.
Seniors and their caregivers should order cold and flu medication online and use what they already own sparingly to avoid running into this problem. In some cases, they can also buy an OTC medication prescribed by a doctor.
About Senior Helpers of Portland West
Senior Helpers of Portland West provides in-home care services to seniors in Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Lake Oswego. At times, this can include helping them with their shopping, which can extend to finding products during shortages. Contact us for more tips to move forward in 2023, no matter what shortages may occur.