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 applauding the formation of a new commission and other initiatives announced by the Trump Administration today to aid nursing homes impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following statement is attributable to Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL.
“Today’s announcement sends a clear message about the important role of long term care in the national health care system and our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We appreciate the commission and plan of action announced today by the Trump administration as an important step forward to ensure long term care facilities receive the vital support needed during this unprecedented public health crisis.
“The plan detailed today builds on the work announced earlier this week by Vice President Pence to expedite direct shipment of personal protective equipment (PPE) to more than 15,000 nursing homes around the country.
“In addition, Monday’s announcement from the Administration that long term care residents and staff with symptoms are now a high priority level for testing is another positive development for America’s nursing homes and assisted living communities.
“The public health system’s focus on long term care residents and staff must not waver. Seniors and those with underlying conditions are susceptible to this virus. Therefore, long term care facilities will need more PPE, testing and resources. We look forward to working with this Commission to identify ways that the public and private sectors can support the needs of our health care heroes and ensure they have the additional resources needed to stem the tide of this pandemic among our residents.
“Long term care facilities face an uphill battle in stopping this virus and we appreciate the Administration’s support in making our long term care residents and caregivers a priority and keeping them safe.
“It is not too late to turn this difficult situation around. What we need now is for everyone to rally around nursing homes and assisted living communities the same way we have around hospitals. And that means continuing our focus on testing, PPE, staffing and funding just as health care providers have received. We will continue to work with local, state and federal health officials to ensure all possible actions are taken to keep our nation’s long term care residents safe.”
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 nearly 5 million seniors and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our facilities each year. For more information, please visit
www.ahcancal.org or
www.ncal.org.