November 10, 2020, Washington, DC — As the election comes to a close and new data shows that COVID-19 is surging in nursing homes, the leader of an organization representing more than 5,000 aging services providers called for immediate action by Congress to address their urgent needs.

“Our leaders must refocus on the impact of the pandemic on older Americans to prevent further loss of lives. Having endured this deadly health crisis and the catastrophically high costs needed to protect older adults and workers for more than half a year, many care providers are headed towards a COVID cliff. Surges are depleting their ability to pay for testing, PPE, and support for staffing,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services.

“Some providers are shutting down and more will follow. It’s time for a COVID relief package that provides comprehensive and coordinated support for older adults in nursing homes and all care settings,” Sloan added. “Older adults have suffered 80% of deaths from the worst pandemic in a century, and they are still in danger. For older Americans, congressional action is a matter of life and death.”

According to a new analysis this week from the Associated Press, “coronavirus cases are surging within facilities in states hard hit by the latest onslaught of COVID-19.”

An updated LeadingAge situation report shows that:

• POPULATION HARDEST HIT: More than 170,000 COVID-19 deaths were among people 65+ as of November 4. More than 280,000 nursing home residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19, and more than 60,000 have died.
• TESTING COSTS, SUPPLIES & FEDERAL STRATEGY NEEDED: Aging services providers have been forced to locate and pay for much of their testing-related resources and activities. With no end to the pandemic in sight, these testing costs are unsustainable. The Administration has provided some patchwork testing resources to some aging services providers, including nursing homes, assisted living and hospice. There is still no coordinated national testing strategy for aging services, which would address all settings and staff.
• PPE SHORTAGES AND COSTS STRAIN BUDGETS: Providers across the country have faced rolling shortages of various types of PPE. Many providers have managed to stockpile limited amounts of PPE, but it is not clear how long they will last in the face of rising infection rates and long-term needs.
• STAFFING SHORTAGES PRESENT CHALLENGES: Just a few months into the pandemic, 1 in 5 nursing homes were already reporting staff shortages. In at least 15 states and Puerto Rico the National Guard has been called in temporarily to help with testing, infection control and visitor screening so staff can focus on care. Many providers can’t afford the costs of paying higher wages to compete with industries where their health and safety is at lesser risk than one of the most dangerous jobs in America.

We represent more than 5,000 aging-focused organizations that touch millions of lives every day. Alongside our members and 38 state partners, we address critical issues by blending applied research, advocacy, education, and community-building. We bring together the most inventive minds in our field to support older adults as they age wherever they call home. We make America a better place to grow old. For more information: www.leadingage.org