The mandate to provide paid sick leave and FMLA leave for employees that met the requirements set out in FFCRA and updated in September 2020 ended December 31, 2020. HOWEVER, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (HR 133), signed into law on December 27, 2020, extended the paid leave provisions to March 31, 2021 but the extension is voluntary. Click on our FAQ document to learn the latest, and refresh your memory about the paid provisions and how the employer is compensated through payroll tax reductions.
On December 21, Congress passed legislation that included an Omnibus Spending Bill, which allocates funding for the 12 fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills. The spending package also contains a $900 billion emergency coronavirus relief package to protect the lives of the American people. The approximately 6,000 page bill, The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Omnibus and Coronavirus Relief Bill) directly or indirectly impacts most every part of the aging services continuum.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the high positivity rates in communities across the country are placing several long-term care (LTC) facility residents and staff at greater risk of testing positive. As community spread increases, many facilities are left with a crisis situation especially when front line staff are forced to quarantine due to a COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure.
The first bill, “The Mollie Baldwin Upskilling of Personal and Home Care Aides Act,”(S 4942) would provide a stable pool of funding for local governments and non-governmental agencies to expand existing training models that bring new workers into the industry. The second bill, “The Career Advancement for Direct Support Aid Workers (CADSAW) Act” (S 4940) would provide dollars through the Health Resources Services Administration to help individuals now in homecare field with career advancement opportunities, such as increased education and training.
CEOs at LeadingAge multisite organizations and life plan communities will receive a brief survey in January.
Democratic members of the Committee joined the session to hear from ten essential workers from various positions, who shared their compelling testimony on why Congress should support their plea for additional protections as they do their part to provide essential services during the pandemic.
The deadline for the Assisted Living Salary & Benefits study has been further extended to November 30th December 18th, conducted in cooperation between LeadingAge and Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS). Nationally known, the report is recognized as the standard for reliable and comprehensive compensation data for ALFs/PCFs/RCFs.
To support members in planning Thanksgiving policies related to resident and staff travel and gatherings, LeadingAge fielded the Community Holiday Planning Survey last week. Our intent was to add to the growing list of anecdotal member solutions – and ongoing questions - that we’ve heard from many members across the country. This survey, geared towards members who serve older adults in congregate living settings (affordable housing, assisted living, independent living, life plan communities / CCRCs, and nursing homes), received 113 responses.
NEW for this year, the Virtual Student CareerFair will offer students the chance to meet with organizations that are hiring right now, and ask the hiring managers specific questions in their "virtual booth."
If your organization is currently hiring for any entry-level positions, you can sign up for a booth at the CareerFair! The cost of a booth is free for all LeadingAge provider members, and $500 for any LeadingAge business firm members.
While some of you may have established an entire culture of wellness throughout your community – others of you may just want simple strategies you can implement today. Click here to find a one-pager of ideas about what you can do, and here to find an infographic.
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