In an example of the activity at the state-level on the workforce crisis in assisted living, we highlight the achievements of the Virginia Assisted Living Association (VALA), which is focused on turning the tide on workforce challenges and creating more opportunities for career pathways to blossom within the senior living industry in Virginia.

The group, which is an affiliate of Argentum, successfully drew attention to its cause in May, when Virginia’s Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources and the Special Advisor to the Governor for Healthcare Workforce joined the VALA Workforce Development Committee meeting. In the meeting, assisted living providers were able to share their concerns and describe the barriers they face relative to workforce directly with Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s (R) administration. VALA is working to keep lines of communication open to ensure that assisted living providers get the support they need, they said.

The workforce shortage in the commonwealth has forced the 560 assisted living communities (ALFs) to operate below full capacity. “In the last 10 years, the capacity of Virginia’s ALFs was nearly 32,500, but the demand for senior living has significantly grown resulting to the capacity being increased to nearly 39,000 at the end of 2022,” reports Judy Hackler, executive director of VALA.

In other news from VALA, several recent advocacy wins have a positive impact on industry workforce issues.

Argentum and its state partner, the Florida Senior Living Association (FSLA), have requested Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) to provide assistance to senior living providers who have experienced losses as a result of Hurricane Ian.

Bill and Bob Thomas (Principals) Senior Star graciously hosted a meeting in Tulsa, Okla., this week with honored guest Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) and leaders of the senior living industry and Alzheimer’s Association.

Paul Williams, vice president of government relations, Argentum, along with Mike Bivens, Brian Bivens, and Nicole Painter of Bivens & Associates, Argentum’s lobbying team in Tennessee, had a meeting this week with Tennessee State Rep. Greg Vital (R-Harrison) and Morning Pointe Senior Living Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Franklin Farrow.

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.

Country Meadows of Forks in West Easton, Pa., hosted Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pa.) recently, where leaders from the Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association (PALA) and other stakeholders joined the lawmaker in a discussion and tour as part of an education and outreach initiative.

Keith Sappington, executive director, Missouri Assisted Living Association, says the state’s assisted living communities scored a victory recently when Gov. Mike Parson allocated $10 million out of ARPA funds specifically for them and related residential care businesses impacted by COVID-19.

The Kentucky Senior Living Association (KSLA) has named Rebecca Pfalzgraf executive director, promoting her from the role of director of communications and member services. The KSLA Board of Directors said Pfalzgraf will succeed Bob White, who recently retired from the organization.