(WASHINGTON, DC)- The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), representing more than 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living communities across the country that provide care to approximately five million people each year, released the following statement in response to today’s updated data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on COVID-19 and nursing homes.
The following statement is attributable to Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL:
“This report shows what we have known for months, that COVID-19 disproportionately impacts seniors with chronic conditions and the dedicated staff who care for them. This also validates the call for assistance that nursing homes have been making since the beginning of this pandemic.
“We understand that there may be some questions about the data and adjustments made due to obvious challenges with launching a new reporting system in the midst of a pandemic. Regardless, one life is one too many to lose, and we hope this data will show public health officials the urgent need to prioritize resources to protect long term care staff and residents.
“Whether it’s federal, state or local health agencies, long term care residents and staff need to be a priority for supplies and support. It’s time that America rally around our nation’s seniors and caregivers just as they did with hospitals."
For more information, please visit www.ahcancal.org/coronavirus.
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.