(Alexandria, Va.) – On Veterans Day, Argentum, the largest trade group for senior living communities in the United States, is thanking those who have served in our nation’s military and their families who have supported them along the way.
In addition, Argentum is again calling for support in Congress for the Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act, a “common sense” bill that would help veterans access cost-effective assisted living care as the nation prepares for rapidly growing demand for assisted living and other long-term care options.
Argentum members operate senior living communities that include independent living, assisted living, memory care, and Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), which are home to 2 million vulnerable seniors, of which 42% are veterans or their spouses.
“This day has always been special to our residents who have worn the uniform for our nation’s defense, and now more than ever, we need to not only honor these veterans but also take action to ensure their lives are lived with dignity and care,” said James Balda, president and CEO of Argentum.
Argentum, the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, American Seniors Housing Association, and LeadingAge are all working together to promote the veterans bill, with the coalition signing a joint letter of support over the summer to Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.). The three lawmakers introduced the legislation earlier in the year.
The legislation would establish a pilot program to help demonstrate the value of assisted living, so that more Americans can access this vital care. As our nation prepares for an exponential rise in the need for care services—with 10,000 Americans turning age 70 every day—we need to expand opportunities for our nation’s seniors to access their care,” Balda said.
Senior living is an integral part of the long-term care continuum, offering round-the-clock care for our nation’s most vulnerable seniors—from eating and bathing, to walking and taking medications. It is also a highly cost-effective care solution, averaging $4,300 per month compared to more than $8,800 per month for skilled nursing or $4,500 per month for a home health aide to provide limited services.
The problem is that many veterans cannot access assisted living because of restrictions by the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibiting funds from going toward room and board fees at assisted living facilities.
About Argentum
Argentum is the leading national association exclusively dedicated to supporting companies operating professionally managed, resident-centered senior living communities and the older adults and families they serve. Since 1990, Argentum has advocated for choice, independence, dignity, and quality of life for all older adults.
Argentum member companies operate senior living communities offering assisted living, independent living, continuing care, and memory care services. Along with its state partners, Argentum’s membership represents approximately 75 percent of the senior living industry—an industry with a national economic impact of nearly a quarter of a trillion dollars and responsible for providing over 1.6 million jobs. For more information, visit www.argentum.org.
Contact:
Patrick Connole, Manager, Media and Public Affairs
ARGENTUM | Expanding Senior Living
703-599-7412 | [email protected]
