Senior Living Industry Reminds Congress, Administration To Prioritize Older Adults In Relief Packages
As Democrats continue plans to move forward with a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill and Republicans meet with President Biden to discuss a $600 billion counter offer, senior living industry executives are reminding them to make older adults a priority.
The American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living on Monday urged Congress to pass another COVID-19 relief bill that includes assistance for long-term care — specifically $100 billion in additional funds to the Provider Relief Fund, and prioritization for testing and personal protective equipment resources.
“Long-term care providers have suffered significant financial hardships due to the pandemic. The high cost of testing, PPE and staff support has caused tremendous strain on budgets,” said a statement from the association.
AHCA / NCAL reiterated that more than half of assisted living communities are operating at a loss and that many members have said that they will be forced to close within a year without further assistance.
“We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes that were made at the outset of the pandemic,” AHCA / NCAL stated. “Long-term care workers continue to do everything in their power to protect their residents, but they need ongoing support. Additional funding from Congress will ensure they have the resources necessary to continue the fight. Congress must act now and put long-term care first.”
Read the full article from McKnight’s Senior Living.
