In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, we all are forced to continue to fight long-standing, negative narratives. We can assure you that LeadingAge is carrying forward the truth about the incredible work you are doing in the face of this global pandemic. Here’s how.

STATEMENTS & PRESS RELEASES

LeadingAge is proactive when it comes to shaping views and understanding of our members and the field. Following are statements and releases we've developed and distributed around the coronavirus.

• LeadingAge Statement on CMS’ April 2, 2020 Key Recommendations to Nursing Homes, State, Local Governments (4/3/20)
• LeadingAge Members Innovate Workforce Solutions During Coronavirus Crisis (4/1/20)
• LeadingAge Statement on Coronavirus Stimulus Bill: Disproportionate Impact on Aging Services Demands Attention (3/13/20)
• LeadingAge Statement on CMS Tightened Nursing Home Visitor Restrictions to Address Spread of Coronavirus (3/13/20)
• LeadingAge Statement on HUD Inspection Suspension for Coronavirus (3/13/20)
• LeadingAge Statement on CMS Actions to Address Spread of Coronavirus (3/4/20)

MEDIA COVERAGE & NEWS

Even when news stories paint an unflattering picture of our field, LeadingAge can contribute perspective, information, and a reality check on the truth about how members are working to protect residents, clients, staff, and communities during this public health crisis. Following are recent stories in which our executives and staff have participated.

• McKnight's Long-Term Care News: Also in the News for Thursday, April 2 (4/2/20)
• Home Healthcare News: More Telehealth, Less Red Tape: What Agencies Should Know About CMS’s Home Health Changes (4/1/20)
• McKnight's Long-Term Care News: CMS waives nurse-aide training, certification requirements (4/1/20)
• McKnight's Long-Term Care News: NextStep partnership offers CNAs new COVID-readiness certificate (4/1/20)
• Kaiser Health News: Coronavirus Patients Caught In Conflict Between Hospital And Nursing Homes (3/30/20)
• Modern Healthcare: Judge: Medicare patients can appeal hospitals' observation status decisions (3/30/20)
• Next Avenue: Should You Consider Taking a Loved One Out of a Long-Term-Care Facility Now? (3/30/20)
• Modern Healthcare: Some healthcare workers need stronger COVID-19 protections (3/27/20)
• The Wall Street Journal: Coronavirus Hits Nursing Homes Hard, as Staff Combat Infections, Shortages (3/26/20)
• The Conversation: Who cares for those most vulnerable to COVID-19? 4 questions about home care aides answered (3/25/20)
• Home Health Care News: [Updated] $2 Trillion Stimulus Bill Would Relax Home Health Certification Requirements, Encourage Telehealth Use (3/25/20)
• McKnight's Long-Term Care News: BREAKING: Groundbreaking decision on ‘observation stays’: Federal court permits right to appeal, opens access to long-term care (3/25/20)
• Seniors Housing Business: Seniors Housing Associations Lobby for Variety of COVID-19 Measures (3/25/20)
• McKnight's Senior Living: Affordable senior housing needs COVID-19 guidance, relief, LeadingAge says; CMS, DOJ announce news (3/23/20)
• Wall Street Journal: U.S. to Pause Routine Nursing-Home Inspections (3/23/20)
• Barron's: 10 Things to Know About Senior Living Facilities and the Coronavirus Threat They Face (3/21/20)
• Convene Magazine: Working Through Event Postponement Details (3/20/20)
• McKnight's Senior Living: Senior housing and care facilities could help employ today’s out-of-work restaurant, hotel and retail workers (3/20/20)
• The Wall Street Journal: Coronavirus Outbreaks Spreading in Nursing Homes (3/19/20)
• Hospice News: "Hospice Industry to Congress: 'We Need Support'” (3/18/20)
• Financial Times: "Seattle shortfall triggers calls for Trump to guarantee medical supplies" (3/17/20)
• Market Watch: How to make sure your loved one is protected from coronavirus if they’re in a nursing home (3/17/20)
• McKnight's Long-Term Care News: "CMS waives three-day stay requirement, MDS deadlines as dining struggles emerge amid COVID-19 response" (3/17/20)
• Newsy: "Coronavirus Risks Could Keep Older Voters At Home On Election Day" (3/17/20)
• Senior Housing News: "Coronavirus Put People Out Of Work. Senior Living Providers Want to Hire Them." (3/16/20)
• WBUR: "Senior Housing Providers Say Government Lacks Plan To Help Older Adults During Coronavirus Crisis" (3/16/20)
• McKnight's Long-Term Care News: "CMS guidance bans most visitors, communal dining at nursing homes over COVID-19" (3/16/20)
• Next Avenue: Coronavirus: Protection in Long-Term Care (3/10/20)
• New York Times: "As Coronavirus Spreads, How You Can Protect a Family Member in a Nursing Home" (3/6/20)
• The Wall Street Journal: Nursing Homes Brace for Coronavirus Outbreak Amid Staffing Concerns (3/6/20)
• The Philadelphia Inquirer: Coronavirus appears most dangerous to seniors. How can they be protected? (3/5/20)
• Boston Globe: At senior living homes, a heightened readiness as coronavirus looms (3/1/20)

TALKING POINTS & TEMPLATES YOU CAN USE

As state partners and members field media inquiries and partner with local decisionmakers, these matrials can help offer a framework for outreach and discussions.

• Template Media Statement for a COVID-19 Death in your Organization
• Template Media Statement for a COVID-19 Outbreak in Your Organization
• Planning for a COVID-19 Outbreak in Your Community: Tips for Working with the Media.
• Crisis Communications: Messaging Negative Publicity Webinar 

Be sure to visit LeadingAge's main coronavirus resources page for more information, tools and resources to help all aging services providers plan for and respond to COVID-19.