McKnight’s Senior Living —
Nobody in long-term care is begrudging skilled nursing facilities for the $4.9 billion that began flowing to providers on Friday to fight effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but associations are asking federal and state governments not to forget senior living operators.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Friday that all nursing homes with six or more certified beds would be eligible for funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, with each provider receiving $50,000 initially as well as another $2,500 per bed.
“While Argentum appreciates that the administration is supporting nursing homes, we remain disappointed that it continues to overlook the senior living industry, which is caring for the same vulnerable population and has equally urgent needs,” Argentum President and CEO James Balda said. “Senior living communities — assisted living, independent living, memory care, and continuing care — critically need financial relief, as they have rising financial pressures due to added staffing and expanded operations, as well as the costs associated with purchasing [personal protective equipment] and test kits.”
Senior living operators are expected to spend “tens of billions” over the next year to battle COVID-19, he said. “This could cause extreme financial strain on this industry, which currently serves as a safe haven to residents and a backstop to the larger healthcare system. These communities also desperately need priority access to COVID-19 testing and PPE, but the government has prioritized nursing homes for these critical resources as well.”
American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living President and CEO Mark Parkinson also called for funding for assisted living operators — from both the federal and state governments.
The CARE Act funds for skilled nursing were “much-needed” and appreciated, he said, but “[g]iven the gravity of the situation we are facing with this deadly virus and its impact on our vulnerable residents, long-term care facilities require additional support and funding from state and federal governments to reduce its spread. Notably, assisted living communities have yet to receive any direct aid, despite also serving vulnerable seniors.”
All long-term care facilities need additional testing, PPE and funding, Parkinson said.
LeadingAge President and CEO Katie Smith Sloan said LeadingAge was pleased with the funding to nursing homes, adding, however, that it “will only go so far in addressing providers’ growing financial needs as this pandemic continues.”
In addition to help for assisted living, LeadingAge is calling for additional funding and support for affordable seniors housing, pointing to a May 5 letter that Sloan sent to leaders in Congress.
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