Washington, D.C. – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released the following statement after a hearing held by the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Health Subcommittee on the COVID-19 crisis and nursing homes.
The following statement is attributable to Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL:
“We appreciate today’s discussion on the disproportionate affect COVID-19 has had on our nation’s long term care residents and staff. Our heroic caregivers have been on the frontlines since the onset of the pandemic, fighting to protect our country’s most vulnerable. With strength and bravery, the majority of residents in our care who have tested positive for the virus have made a full recovery. They are our inspiration to continue to provide high quality of care in the midst of challenging circumstances.
“For nursing homes and assisted living communities, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. Now more than ever, our residents and staff need ongoing prioritization and resources to prevent future outbreaks. We still lack reliable access to widespread testing, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and staffing support. While we are grateful for the help we have received in recent months, more must be done. As the witness Dr. David Grabowski highlighted today, outbreaks in nursing homes are directly linked to the amount of spread in the surrounding community, and the residents and staff of these impacted facilities desperately need additional support.
“We cannot continue to fight this battle without the proper funding for these critical resources. We are committed to working with Members of Congress on solutions that will help us meet the needs of our residents and caregivers.
“It is past time for policymakers and the public health sector to rally around long term care facilities and give them the support they deserve.”
ABOUT AHCA/NCAL
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit www.ahcancal.org or www.ncal.org.