US Senate Special Committee Holds Hearing on Assisted Living Options for Older Adults

Posted on January 25, 2024 by Erin Huppert

Today, the US Senate Special Committee on Aging convened for an informational hearing on understanding assisted living options for Americans.

While no bills were considered or votes were taken, the focus of testimony signaled areas of future interest and probable policy development.

On the heels of national media interest in assisted living communities, elopements, and financial investments, this bipartisan Senate Committee heard from a consumer advocate, an academic, and an assisted living provider.

Key takeaways from the hearing

• Senators agreed that assisted living communities are intended to be homes and residences – not institutions – and that they serve a growing demand by older adults and their families.
• The Senate demonstrates a growing interest in national standards for financial disclosures, transparency, and consumer protections. However, there does not appear to be the same level of focus in the US House of Representatives at this time.
• While the role of federal and state funding in enabling seniors to access home and community-based services was acknowledged, the committee did not leverage its platform to call for better reimbursement by our public payors.
• Neither of Minnesota’s senators was present for the hearing, and testifiers' comments were not focused on our state's efforts to ensure safe, quality care and services for Minnesota’s older adults.

Take action

Argentum, our national partner representing senior living settings, is asking for your help telling your personal stories on assisted living. We want lawmakers to hear from residents, family members, and others on why they chose assisted living, what makes their community a home, and how their care team is like family. We also encourage stories about how assisted living has helped improve quality of life and health outcomes and supported families in their roles. These testimonials are essential so that lawmakers better understand what assisted living is on a personal level. Share your story today!

To learn more about the Special Committee on Aging and its most recent hearing, visit https://www.aging.senate.gov/.