Representatives from Massachusetts and Pennsylvania plan to sponsor the bipartisan Safeguarding Elderly Needs for Infrastructure and Occupational Resources (SENIOR) Act. This would create $1.25 billion in grant programs for workforce development. Among the details of the bill:
- It would build on critical infrastructure demands for infection prevention and control, expanding on a nationwide effort to strengthen LTC resilience in the wake of the pandemic and for future capacity needs.
- It would encourage a robust telehealth capacity for LTC residents by advancing on the steps taken in 2020 for telehealth access and reimagine the devices and platforms they utilize for connection.
- It would target sustainability dollars to keep LTC provider doors open and inject immediate funding into this care setting.
- It would help develop a workforce for senior housing sustainment by providing sound occupational resources for those eager to serve seniors. These efforts would include a LTC workforce development pilot project incentivizing making new positions into careers, rather than temporary employment opportunities.
