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WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-3) have reintroduced the Safeguarding Elderly Needs for Infrastructure and Occupational Resources (SENIOR) Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing the financial challenges faced by assisted senior-living facilities.

"Senior-living facilities have been facing financial and staffing difficulties since the COVID-19 pandemic," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. "The unprecedented workload and financial loss have caused facilities to close and seniors to not receive the proper level of care needed. I’m proud to reintroduce the bipartisan SENIOR Act with Congresswoman Trahan to ensure assisted living communities are provided with the funding and support they need to keep their doors open and care for our elderly."

Congresswoman Trahan emphasized the importance of the SENIOR Act in supporting assisted living facilities: “We owe it to our loved ones to make our senior’s health and wellbeing a top priority. That is why I’m proud to reintroduce the bipartisan SENIOR Act, which will ensure that assisted living facilities are able to keep their doors open and specialized caregivers on staff so they can continue caring for our nation’s seniors for years to come.”

The legislation addresses the challenges faced by assisted living facilities, which provide essential care to nearly 2 million seniors nationwide. Despite the vulnerability of the resident population to severe illnesses like COVID-19, these facilities received minimal financial support during the pandemic, leading to significant financial losses estimated at over $30 billion.

The SENIOR Act proposes a comprehensive approach to support assisted living facilities. It aims to strengthen the geriatric workforce by establishing new workforce development programs and incentivizing the development of a stronger workforce. Additionally, the bill introduces a "Senior Care Cost Reduction Program" to assist low-income seniors in accessing assisted living facilities instead of nursing homes.

The reintroduction of the SENIOR Act underscores the lawmakers' commitment to ensuring that assisted living facilities can continue providing crucial care to senior residents, addressing financial challenges, and supporting the wellbeing of the elderly population.