I. FOLLOWING THE NARRATIVE: A quick summary of national media trends last week.
(* indicates that LeadingAge is featured in the story.)
A “return to normalcy” is the government’s new push as indicated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s announcement late last week of new COVID case tracking methods. Still, media interest in aging services remains largely focused on the pandemic’s impact on older adults and care providers; access to care and workforce issues; and legislative activity related to care – whether providers, workforce or payment.
Coronavirus, Workforce, Tests Vaccination/Boosters
- NPR: The pandemic pummeled long-term care – it may not recover quickly, experts warn
- McKnight’s Senior Living: Provider Relief Fund bill would delay reporting requirements, expand allowable uses
- *McKnight’s Senior Living: $560 million in Provider Relief Fund payments heading to operators this week
- Becker’s Hospital Review: 7 states considering legislation to prevent price gouging by staffing agencies
- The Washington Post: Black women are overrepresented and underpaid in health care’s toughest jobs, study shows
- Skilled Nursing News: SNFs See Largest Health Care Wage Increases Yet Employment Levels Lag Behind
- The Washington Post: Omicron slammed essential workers. So the National Guard became teachers, janitors and more.
- The Atlantic: The COVID Strategy America Hasn’t Really Tried (on vaccinating more older adults)
- The Washington Post: Time’s up for unvaccinated medical workers
- McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: CMS will work with states, providers to help them comply with vaccine rule: report
- *AARP: 40% of Nursing Home Residents Haven’t Received COVID-19 Boosters, Analysis Finds
- Study: Kaiser Family Foundation: Nursing Home Staff Vaccination Rates Vary Widely by State as Vaccination Mandates Take Effect
Biden Administration and Congress
- *McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Biden urged to end public health emergency — what’s at stake
- *McKnight’s Senior Living: White House requests $30 million for additional COVID relief funding
II. Other Clips that Influenced the Week: LeadingAge is a sought-out, reliable source for multiple trade and national media outlets (see that coverage posted in our LeadingAge Press Room). Other key clips that shaped the narrative last week:
- McKnight’s Senior Living: Long-term care insurance needs makeover, rebranding, expert says
- DCist: Direct Care Work Is One Of The Lowest Paying Jobs. These D.C. Groups Are Trying To Change That
- *McKnight’s Senior Living: J-1 visa exchange visitor program could help long-term care ease workforce challenges
- USA Today: A look at the complete USA TODAY/Ipsos’ exclusive poll of health care workers
- Home Health Care News: Why Political Roadblocks Threaten Home Health Care’s Biggest Policy Objectives in 2022
- *McKnight’s Long-Term Care News: Extended survey delays threaten providers
- *The Wall Street Journal: Senior Communities Add Tech Assistance as One of Their Perks
III. What’s On Our Radar — this week’s likely priorities:
- Continued focus on workforce advocacy asks and building awareness of need
- COVID-impact storytelling as we approach March 10 COVID anniversary
IV. National Statements & Products (all posted on the Press Room page):
