September 16, 2020 Washington DC – LeadingAge president & CEO Katie Smith Sloan and LeadingAge California president and CEO Jeannee Parker Martin today issued the following statements on the release of the White House’s Coronavirus Commission for Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes recommendations:

“For seven months LeadingAge has made clear to the federal government what it would take to protect older adults and their care providers from the worst pandemic in a century. We appreciate that our membership was represented on the commission, but the hard reality is that nursing homes have been struggling without the PPE, testing, and resources they need to protect vulnerable older adults,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge.

“As the COVID-19 death toll in nursing homes reaches over 50,000, we hope the commission report leads to a more coordinated response, and delivery of resources that are backed with adequate funding.  More than a million Americans require 24/7 stand-alone care from nursing homes, some of which have begun to close their doors as they rapidly deplete their reserves to keep up with the exorbitant costs they are incurring during this pandemic.  The federal government must now focus on averting a wave of closures,” Sloan added.

“The coronavirus pandemic has exposed flaws in our nation’s approach to caring for older adults, including workforce management and staffing models at nursing homes. The commission developed thoughtful recommendations to serve as a roadmap to improve our workforce while enhancing their safety and quality of care. Coupled with funding for stronger testing and adequate PPE, the recommendations from the commission will provide immediate relief and long-term support to care communities helping older adults continue to age with dignity,” said Jeannee Parker Martin, president & CEO of LeadingAge California.

LeadingAge recently updated its national Situation Report on COVID’s threat to older adults.

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

About LeadingAge California: Founded in 1961, LeadingAge California is the state’s leading advocate for quality, non-profit senior living and care. The association’s advocacy, educational programs and public relations help its members best serve the needs of more than 120,000 of the state’s older adults. LeadingAge California represents over 625 nonprofit providers of senior living and care – including affordable housing, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living, skilled nursing, and home and community-based care; as well as our business partners and residents. For more information, visit www.leadingageca.org.