Summer is underway and with that comes the August congressional recess when members of Congress will be looking for opportunities in their states and districts to meet with constituents and learn about their issues. This is a great opportunity to invite your elected officials to tour your community, and in turn help build momentum for our legislative priorities.
The November elections are just four months away. This election year is particularly important, not just for the headline-grabbing presidential race, but for future control of Congress—and with it the ability to set the legislative agenda, pass laws, set funding levels for government programs, and provide oversight over federal regulatory agencies. With all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 34 seats in the Senate up for grabs, the outcomes will determine the legislative landscape for the next two years.
As we move into an election year, the voices of those directly impacted by policy decisions are more crucial than ever. Decision-makers in Washington, D.C. are eager to hear from YOU — the heart of the assisted living community. There is no better way to communicate the real-world impacts of policy on our industry, employees, and residents than through direct engagement and storytelling. Hosting members of Congress for tours of your assisted living community offers a unique and powerful opportunity to illustrate firsthand the value and challenges of senior living.
Earlier this year, Argentum launched the I Love Assisted Living campaign to shine a spotlight on the positive experiences and vital role our communities play in the lives of America’s seniors, and to educate policymakers on the differences between assisted living communities and nursing homes. You have stepped up and shared the personal stories that showcase the transformative power of assisted living for both seniors and their loved ones. Now it’s time to take the next step and host lawmakers so they have a more complete picture of the incredible care you provide your residents every day.
Why Your Story Matters
In an election year, every voice counts. Elected officials and their staff are looking to understand the issues that matter most to their constituents. They need to hear from those who are living the experience every day. As someone deeply embedded in assisted living, you have the expertise and perspective that no one else can provide. By sharing your stories, you give a face to the senior living industry—a vital step in humanizing the policies that impact our communities and the more than 1 million seniors we serve every day.
Direct Impact on Policy
When policymakers visit your community, they gain insights that statistics and government reports cannot provide. They see the dedication of your staff, the happiness of your residents, and the real-world implications of the policies they craft. These visits are important to:
- Understand Daily Operations: Showcasing your day-to-day operations helps illustrate the complexity and care involved in running an assisted living community. From helping residents manage chronic conditions, to providing nutritious meals tailored to each resident’s specific needs, to arranging daily social activities that can help stem loneliness and social isolation, demonstrating these aspects of assist living can highlight the comprehensive care provided to seniors.
- Highlight Challenges and Needs: By fostering direct dialogue during these visits, you have the opportunity to highlight your community’s unique needs and challenges, and to advocate for policy solutions to strengthen the assisted living model. Community tours provide a platform to articulate legislative priorities, and to show firsthand how they benefit residents.
- Build Personal Connections: When policymakers see the impact of their decisions on real people, it fosters a deeper understanding of the important issues facing assisted living communities. These personal connections are invaluable and have led many members of Congress to introduce or co-sponsor critical legislation after visiting a community.
Showcasing the Value of Assisted Living
Your community is a testament to the vital role assisted living plays in caring for our rapidly aging population. Hosting tours allows you to showcase the value of assisted living in several ways:
- Impact on Quality of Life: Share stories of how assisted living enhances the quality of life for seniors, providing them with a safe, supportive, and enriching environment. Personal anecdotes and testimonials from residents and families can be particularly compelling.
- Economic and Social Contributions: Show how assisted living communities contribute to the economy and local communities, through job creation, serving as hubs for social interaction and engagement, and engaging in community outreach and volunteer initiatives.
- Advocating for Policy Support: Use these tours to advocate for policies that support assisted living, including critical legislation such as the Care Across Generations Act, the SENIOR Act, the Veterans Assisted Living Pilot Initiative.
We Can Help You Get Started
We encourage you to start the process now for scheduling tours for the upcoming August congressional recess. Argentum has developed The Community Visits with Lawmakers Toolkit to provide you with the tools you need to set up effective conversations with legislators at one of your communities. It includes sample invitations you can send to lawmakers, a sample itinerary or tour structure, best practices for preparing for your visit, how to make your request for support of legislation and continue your conversation after the event concludes, and information on how to get started and work with Argentum and your State Partners in setting up these events. Reach out to the Argentum advocacy team to help you get started.
