On Sept. 2, Judy Hackler, executive director of the Virginia Assisted Living Association (VALA), and I had the pleasure of joining with William Fralin, CEO of Retirement Unlimited Inc. (RUI), and Doris-Ellie Sullivan, president of RUI, at their wonderful Paul Spring Retirement Community in Alexandria, Va. There, we shared the benefits and challenges of senior living communities with Virginia delegates and senators, and Virginia’s Commissioner of the Department of Labor, Gary Pan.
Many industry topics were discussed including affordable housing dilemmas, COVID relief opportunities, price gouging impacting businesses, and workforce challenges, according to Hackler.
As part of the discussion on the workforce challenges, participants expressed concerns over the elevated costs of contract staffing, the decreasing supply of qualified workers, the opportunities to improve onboarding requirements such as background checks and credentialing processes, and the possibility of the commonwealth and educational institutions working together with senior living providers to increase the available workforce.
Similar discussions have been held in Lynchburg, Va., and Henrico, Va. Additional discussions are planned for other localities in Virginia. Each event is being held at an assisted living community with the opportunity for the legislators and policymakers to meet with residents and staff members and to tour the communities.
Any questions about these events may be shared with Judy Hackler, jhackler@valainfo.org, (804) 332-2111.