(Alexandria, Va.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Bryan Steil (R-WI), and Ann Kuster (D-NH), introduced H.R. 6835, the Care Across Generations Act. Maggie Elehwany, Argentum Senior Vice President, Public Affairs issued the following statement:
“Argentum extends its sincere appreciation to Representatives Steil, Strickland, and Kuster for introducing the Care Across Generations Act. This groundbreaking legislation is a significant step towards solving the twin senior and child care workforce shortages in this country, and addressing the epidemic of loneliness by fostering intergenerational connections between seniors and children.
Research shows that intergenerational settings, which can combine senior care such as assisted living with child day care services, increase the health and well-being of both young and older participants, reduce social isolation, and create cost efficiencies. The concept is also popular— 92% of Americans believe intergenerational activities can reduce loneliness across all ages and 85% would prefer care settings that foster intergenerational connections. However, there are just a handful of assisted living communities that offer this type of interaction today.
Assisted living, as a residential care setting where seniors live with dignity and independence while receiving help with daily activities, offers the ideal setting to embrace intergenerational care. America’s 31,400 assisted living communities are home to nearly two million seniors and employ one million caregivers, many of whom report difficulties with finding reliable childcare. The Care Across Generations Act can help assisted living communities retain these vital care givers by increasing childcare options at a time when high quality care can be hard to find.
This intergenerational connection helps alleviate caregiving burdens, but also improves the health of children and seniors. One study found that grandparents who directly interacted with grandchildren were more likely to be alive five years later than those who remained uninvolved, and another concluded that they registered higher scores on cognitive tests.
Assisted living communities enable seniors to thrive by addressing their social determinants of health—providing proper nutrition, medication management, and reducing social isolation. To further combat loneliness, which U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called “America’s invisible epidemic”, the Care Across Generations Act would provide resources to create and maintain childcare programs within assisted living communities.
The National Institute on Aging estimates that the adverse health effects of loneliness equal that of smoking 15 cigarettes per day, and the National Academy of Sciences found that social isolation contributed to a 50% increased risk of developing dementia and a 59% increased risk of functional decline. As America’s population ages and the caregiving crisis is exacerbated for both seniors and children, the Care Across Generations Act offers an effective answer for many families. Congress should embrace intergenerational care to improve the lives of millions of Americans today and into the future
Argentum is proud to support this critical legislation for America’s seniors and caregivers, and applauds Representatives Steil, Strickland, Kuster, and Feenstra for their leadership in addressing the caregiving workforce shortage and the loneliness epidemic.
Matt Gatzke, CEO of the New Hampshire Association of Residential Care Homes (NHARCH), an Argentum state partner, issued an additional statement:
The New Hampshire Association of Residential Care Homes commends Representative Kuster for championing the Care Across Generations Act, a groundbreaking bill that will strengthen the connections between generations, ease workforce shortages in the state, and combat the epidemic of loneliness plaguing our communities.
This legislation empowers senior living communities to become hubs of intergenerational connection. By providing grants for on-site childcare, multigenerational activities, and dedicated intergenerational spaces, the Care Across Generations Act creates opportunities for seniors and children to learn from each other, foster deep bonds, and enrich their lives.
In New Hampshire, where isolation and loneliness are prevalent among both seniors and children, this act represents a beacon of hope. We believe it will strengthen families, revitalize communities, and improve the overall health and well-being of all generations.
We urge Congress to embrace this innovative approach and pass the Care Across Generations Act.
Carma Matti-Jackson, CEO of Washington Health Care Association, an Argentum state partner, issued an additional statement:
The Washington Health Care Association applauds Representative Marilyn Strickland and her House colleagues for introducing the groundbreaking Care Across Generations Act. This legislation is a critical step towards solving the twin senior and child care workforce shortages plaguing states like Washington, and offers a unique solution to the growing epidemic of loneliness among both generations.
As we have seen in our own state, by facilitating intergenerational connections between seniors and children, the Care Across Generations Act has the potential to unlock a wealth of benefits. Seniors gain companionship and purpose, while children learn valuable lessons from their elders. This innovative approach not only strengthens our workforce, but also fosters empathy and understanding across generations.
We are pleased to support H.R. 6835 and urge Congress to pass it without delay.
Mike Pochowski, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association (WALA), an Argentum state partner, issued an additional statement:
“The Wisconsin Assisted Living Association congratulates Representative Bryan Steil for introducing H.R 6835, the Care Across Generations Act. This legislation represents a significant step toward addressing the critical challenges faced by our senior and child care workforce, alleviating caregiver burdens, and by promoting intergenerational connections in our communities, combatting social isolation in our state and across the nation.
As we have seen in communities in Wisconsin, fostering relationships between staff members, volunteers, families and residents that include all different age groups can help build trust, promote meaningful engagement, and combat loneliness, helplessness, and boredom.
WALA fully supports this bill and looks forward to it being passed and signed into law.”
About Argentum
Argentum is the leading national association exclusively dedicated to supporting companies operating professionally managed, resident-centered senior living communities and the older adults and families they serve. Since 1990, Argentum has advocated for choice, independence, dignity, and quality of life for all older adults.
Argentum member companies operate senior living communities offering assisted living, independent living, continuing care, and memory care services. Along with its state partners, Argentum’s membership represents approximately 75 percent of the senior living industry—an industry with a national economic impact of nearly a quarter of a trillion dollars and responsible for providing over 1.6 million jobs. For more information, visit www.argentum.org.
About the New Hampshire Association of Residential Care Homes
The New Hampshire Association of Residential Care Homes (NHARCH) is a non-profit association dedicated to promoting health, safety, ethical standards and practical efficiency in licensed assisted living communities throughout New Hampshire. NHARCH serves as the voice of assisted living in the state providing information and education, and advocating on behalf of our members and the seniors they serve. NHARCH members strive to provide residents with a standard of care that treats all residents with dignity, provides privacy and encourages independence and freedom of choice.
About the Washington Health Care Association
The Washington Health Care Association (WHCA) is a statewide non-profit organization representing over 400 assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. WHCA’s mission is to promote quality long term and post acute health care and services, while serving as an advocate for providers, staff, and the patients and residents for whom they provide care. Association members provide health and personal care, social support and housing to 25,000 frail, elderly, or disabled Washingtonians each day.
About the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association
The Wisconsin Assisted Living Association (WALA) is the largest trade association in Wisconsin representing the assisted living profession. Our mission is to support assisted living communities, staff, and residents through advocacy, education, and service.
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