Last week, members of the California Assisted Living Association (CALA) gathered throughout the state to meet with their state and federal legislators and staff as part of CALA’s “Federal Day in Your District.” These meetings served as a vital opportunity for senior living leaders to engage directly with policymakers, share the realities facing assisted living and highlight the essential role these providers play in the lives of seniors and their families. By bringing their voices to the lawmaker’s districts, CALA members reinforced the importance of collaboration between senior living professionals and government leaders.
CALA’s Legislative Days are designed not only to advocate on the most pressing issues affecting senior living but also to cultivate lasting relationships with elected officials. Through site visits, in-district meetings, and advocacy events, members are shaping the conversation around senior living and ensuring legislators understand the critical contributions of these communities within California and beyond. By reminding policymakers of the impact senior living providers have on their constituents, CALA continues to strengthen its advocacy efforts and ensure that the needs of seniors and their caregivers remain a priority in public policy.
The annual Congressional recess, happening now through September 2, is a crucial opportunity to engage with federal legislators back home, offer them a community tour, and show them what we do!
Everyday, prospective residents and their families tour senior living communities as they decide where they next want to call home. But it’s not just prospective residents who need to see our communities. We also need lawmakers—those who are best positioned to advocate for senior living policies—to see our communities so they understand how we differ from other long-term care settings and how they can best support our policy priorities like addressing our workforce needs and making our communities more affordable.
Now is the time to reach out to your members of Congress and invite them for a tour. The first step is to download our toolkit which contains a step-by-step guide on how to host lawmakers. Want to hear from those who have already executed events? Watch this testimonial from Tana Gall, President of Merrill Gardens, and Michael Queene, General Manager of The Pines of Newmarket, as they shared their experiences in meeting with and hosting lawmakers for visits at senior living communities.