Providers Call for More COVID-19 Relief Federal Funding for Assisted Living

Posted on May 26, 2020 by Jodi Boyne

As the federal government continues to provide funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, senior living providers continue to express concerns that the support leaves assisted living, memory care and independent living behind.  

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 CARES Act with each provider receiving $50,000 initially as well as another $2,500 per bed.

James Balda, Argentum President & CEO, said that senior living providers are expected to spend “tens of billions” over the next year to battle COVID-19.

“We remain disappointed that the administration 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.”

LeadingAge Minnesota will continue our advocacy on both a federal and state level to education lawmakers on the financial relief, ppe and testing that is needed by senior living communities, as well as the need to support measures to resolve staffing shortages during this pandemic and beyond.