long-term care

But as assisted living concept has become more popular, residents are now older and sicker than in the past, and a panel of experts is calling for more focus on their medical and mental health needs.

The WA Cares Fund would help alleviate the financial burden of long-term care by providing workers a lifetime benefit of $36,500. The program was delayed while lawmakers addressed equity issues.

The bill marks a victory for family advocates who say separation during the pandemic took a harsh toll on their loved ones in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

To contain the spread of COVID, hospitals and nursing homes barred visits, but the separation and isolation took a toll on patients and families. Now, some states are trying to ensure access.

The House voted 80-31 to approve the measure. The Senate also took up the bill and could pass it as soon as Monday.

CMS chief Chiquita Brooks-LaSure says the agency reserves its power to quickly institute new regulations for “absolute emergencies.” On staffing, nursing home residents might need to wait years to see any real change.

Under the bill moved forward this week in the House Health & Human Services Committee, a patient can designate a caregiver or family member who must be allowed to visit for a minimum of two hours daily.

Many residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities suffered from COVID outbreaks and isolation. Some people are opting to take care of their loved ones at home instead.

COVID-19 has highlighted how older Americans are cared for, the special vulnerabilities they face and the challenges families have to confront when making caregiving decisions.

The federal announcement that nursing homes relying on Medicaid and Medicare funding must require staff members to get vaccinated will have a ripple effect through Florida.