How Advocacy, Aging Trends, and the Value of Assisted Living Are Shaping the Future of Long-Term Care
As America confronts the reality of an aging population and escalating demands on long-term care, the spotlight is squarely on how public policy must evolve to meet the moment. Argentum’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy Maggie Elehwany and Vice President of Government Relations Paul Williams recently joined McKnight’s Senior Living Newsmakers Podcast to discuss their 2025 federal policy agenda and share insights from Argentum’s newly updated report, The Value of Assisted Living in America.
In a wide-ranging conversation, Elehwany and Williams emphasized that assisted living is not just an option—it’s a vital part of solving the nation’s long-term care challenges. They outlined key advocacy efforts for the 119th Congress, ranging from workforce development and increased access for veterans to strategies that promote cost-effective, resident-centered care for older adults with chronic conditions, including Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Podcast Builds on Public Policy Institute and Senate Testimony Momentum
The release of the podcast came at a pivotal time—just days after the resounding success of Argentum’s 2025 Public Policy Institute (PPI) in Washington, D.C. This year’s Institute brought together more than 100 senior living leaders, advocates, and lawmakers for two days of high-impact dialogue and strategy around the most urgent policy issues facing the industry. Senior living advocates from 30 states came together where they held more than 100 meetings with Congressional offices to advance pro-active legislation that will make senior living communities thrive. From workforce shortages to long-term care financing and development barriers, the event gave participants practical tools to engage with elected officials—and built powerful consensus for action.
“PPI was a clear demonstration that our industry is united, energized, and ready to lead,” said Elehwany. “The participation from our members, as well as the openness from lawmakers and agency officials, made it clear that the voice of senior living is being heard.”
Capping off the Institute’s momentum was Argentum President & CEO James Balda’s testimony before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. Testifying on behalf of millions of seniors and more than 1.6 million senior living workers, Balda underscored the critical role that assisted living plays in America’s long-term care continuum. His remarks drew directly from Argentum’s new value paper and outlined clear recommendations to expand access, address the caregiving workforce crisis, and reduce costs to taxpayers through smarter long-term care investments.
Balda’s testimony helped elevate Argentum’s advocacy to a national platform, reinforcing PPI’s themes and serving as a clarion call to policymakers: the status quo is not sustainable, and assisted living must be part of the solution. Watch the full hearing or view clips of our response on social determinants of health, long-term care insurance, and strategies to combat loneliness.
A Growing Need, a Critical Opportunity
The urgency for federal action is clear. More than 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day, and the number of adults aged 85 and older—the group most likely to require long-term care—is expected to more than double from 6.6 million in 2019 to 14.4 million by 2040. Yet the infrastructure to meet this need is lagging far behind.
Argentum’s 2025 Value of Assisted Living in America report underscores this looming gap: by 2030, the nation will need an additional 881,000 units of assisted living inventory. Without significant investment and supportive policies, millions of aging Americans will face limited access to the care setting best suited for their needs—especially as demand for assisted living continues to outpace supply.
“Policymakers must understand the dual role assisted living plays,” said Elehwany. “We are not only helping older adults maintain independence and dignity but also easing the burden on public programs like Medicaid and Medicare by preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and skilled nursing placements.”
Cost-Effective Care with High Satisfaction
According to the report, assisted living is the most cost-effective long-term care setting, with average annual costs of approximately $64,200—almost half the cost of a private room in a nursing home. And it’s not just more affordable: it’s more person-centered. Communities provide individualized care, nutritious meals, social activities, and coordination with outside health care providers, all of which contribute to stronger health outcomes and resident satisfaction.
National surveys support this model. Nearly 90% of assisted living residents report high satisfaction, and 99% say they feel safe in their communities. A recent J.D. Power study revealed a satisfaction score of 855 out of 1,000 for assisted living—higher than the travel and hospitality industries.
“The proof is in the data,” added Williams. “Residents are thriving in assisted living settings. They’re living longer, healthier lives, and that benefits everyone—from families to federal programs.”
Reducing Health System Costs
Beyond personal benefits, assisted living is helping to curb systemic health care spending. The coordinated, holistic approach offered by these communities supports earlier interventions for chronic conditions and reduces reliance on costly acute care services. A study cited in the report notes that without access to assisted living, up to 61% of seniors would likely require skilled nursing care—at twice the cost.
Assisted living is also underutilized in veterans’ care. A 2021 Department of Veterans Affairs report estimated the federal government could save $69,000 annually per veteran by providing care in assisted living settings instead of nursing homes. Yet bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of awareness leave this potential largely untapped.
Advocacy in Action: How the Industry Can Get Involved
Argentum’s policy leaders are calling on the senior living industry to help amplify these messages on Capitol Hill and in communities across the country.
“There’s never been a more important time for operators, caregivers, residents, and families to raise their voices,” Elehwany noted. “We need to make sure our lawmakers understand the essential role senior living plays in America’s care ecosystem.”
Here’s how to get involved:
- Become an Argentum Advocate
Sign up for the Argentum Advocates program to receive real-time policy updates, action alerts, and tools to help influence federal and state decision-makers. - Contribute to the Advocacy Fund
Donations to the Advocacy Fund support lobbying efforts, public education campaigns, media outreach, and research that showcases the impact of senior living. - Schedule a Lawmaker Visit
There’s no substitute for seeing care in action. Inviting a member of Congress to tour your community helps build long-term relationships and humanize the issues. - Help Tell Our Story
Join the I ❤️ Assisted Living grassroots campaign and submit stories that highlight the vibrant, compassionate care environments that define senior living.
Looking Ahead
With an aging population, limited retirement savings, and rising health care costs, assisted living offers a path forward that is both compassionate and sustainable. But continued progress depends on public awareness and policy innovation.
“We’re at a crossroads,” said Williams. “Assisted living can and should be a cornerstone of long-term care policy in America. But to get there, we need unified, sustained advocacy.”
To listen to the full podcast episode and learn more about Argentum’s federal priorities, click here.
