This year’s Public Policy Institute and Advocacy Fly-In brought together more than 100 senior living advocates from 30 states to Washington, D.C., for a critical two-day event dedicated to shaping the future of senior living through legislative engagement. With more than 110 meetings with Congressional offices, testimony before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and the release of the updated 2025 Value of Assisted Living in America report, the event underscored the vital role of advocacy in ensuring access, affordability, and quality of life for seniors.
Advocacy Works! Making Our Voices Heard on Capitol Hill
Senior living professionals know firsthand the challenges and opportunities within the industry, but their voices are most powerful when shared directly with policymakers. Throughout PPI, industry leaders and advocates met with lawmakers to discuss proactive policy solutions that enhance senior living communities. These conversations emphasized how assisted living offers significantly lower costs, improved health outcomes, and reduced healthcare expenses for public programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans’ care.
One of the most significant moments of the event came when Representative Lori Trahan (D-MA) announced during PPI that she, along with Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), would introduce the Caring for Seniors Act. This legislation builds on the formerly introduced SENIOR Act and seeks to establish a cost-reduction program to help low-income seniors access assisted living, while repurposing existing workforce development programs to better meet industry demands.
Additionally, advocates pushed for legislative support for other critical bills, including:
- Care Across Generations Act (H.R. 1812) – This bill is designed to foster intergenerational connections by co-locating childcare centers with senior living communities. Research has consistently shown that interactions between young children and seniors result in significant benefits for both groups, including reduced loneliness, increased cognitive stimulation, and stronger social bonds. By encouraging senior living communities to partner with childcare facilities, this legislation aims to create dynamic, multigenerational environments that enhance the well-being of all involved.
- Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief (SENIOR) Act (S. 473) – With senior loneliness and isolation at crisis levels, this bill provides funding and incentives for programs that promote engagement and connectivity among older adults. From supporting community-based activities to implementing technology solutions that facilitate virtual socialization, the SENIOR Act prioritizes initiatives that help seniors stay connected with their communities and loved ones.
- Credit for Caring Act (R. 2036 & S. 925) – Family caregivers play an essential role in supporting aging loved ones, but the financial burden can be overwhelming. This bill seeks to provide up to a $5,000 tax credit to assist caregivers with out-of-pocket expenses related to long-term care. Whether used for medical equipment, home modifications, or respite care, this financial relief acknowledges the sacrifices caregivers make and aims to ease their financial strain.
- Expanding Veterans’ Care Choices (S. 495) – Veterans deserve greater flexibility in choosing their long-term care options. Expanding on the success of the Elizabeth Dole Act, this initiative seeks to provide additional funding and resources that allow veterans to select assisted living as a viable alternative to traditional institutional settings. By broadening care choices, this effort ensures veterans receive the high-quality, community-based care they need in environments that best suit their lifestyles.
Maggie Elehwany, Argentum’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy, emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “The policies we’re advocating for aren’t just legislative proposals—they represent real solutions to improve the quality of life for millions of seniors and their caregivers. It’s imperative that lawmakers understand the urgent need for expanded access, affordability, and workforce support in senior living.”
Chris Hyatt, Co-CEO of New Perspective and Chair of the Public Policy Committee, reinforced this message, stating, “Senior living communities are a lifeline for older adults who need care, socialization, and a supportive environment. Our conversations with lawmakers during PPI are vital in advancing policies that help ensure more seniors have access to the services and support they need.”
Testifying Before the Senate Aging Committee
A centerpiece of PPI was Argentum President and CEO James Balda’s testimony before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging during the hearing, “Breaking the Cycle of Senior Loneliness: Strengthening Family and Community Support.” The hearing, which came at a pivotal moment with new legislation being introduced, provided an opportunity to emphasize how senior living communities play an essential role in fostering social engagement, improving well-being, and enhancing quality of life for older adults.
Balda’s testimony highlighted key findings from a U.S. News survey, which found that 61% of senior living residents reported reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation after moving into a community, and 85% of seniors formed new friendships post-move. These statistics reinforce the impact of the social model of care, which prioritizes relationships, engagement, and emotional well-being.
James Balda noted, “Senior living communities are uniquely positioned to combat the loneliness epidemic among older adults. Our model is built around social engagement, fostering friendships, and creating a strong sense of community. The findings presented in the Senate hearing demonstrate that senior living is not just about providing care—it’s about improving lives.”
The Launch of the 2025 Value of Assisted Living in America Report
PPI also served as the launchpad for the 2025 Value of Assisted Living in America report, a comprehensive policy paper that provides a strong narrative around the cost-effectiveness and high satisfaction rates of assisted living communities. The report outlines key policy proposals aimed at improving access, expanding workforce development, and promoting tax incentives to support caregivers and long-term care initiatives. The report’s recommendations include:
- Expanding access to assisted living for veterans – Many veterans face financial and bureaucratic barriers to receiving assisted living care. This proposal calls for increasing funding and streamlining the approval process to ensure that veterans have more options for high-quality, affordable senior living.
- Addressing affordability and workforce training challenges – As the demand for senior care grows, so does the need for a trained workforce. This initiative promotes investments in workforce development programs, tuition reimbursement for caregivers, and increased wages to attract and retain skilled professionals.
- Supporting tax reforms – Many families struggle with the financial burden of senior care. Proposed tax reforms include making long-term care expenses more deductible, offering refundable tax credits, and allowing expanded use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to cover senior living costs.
- Strengthening long-term care insurance programs – As traditional long-term care insurance options decline, this proposal encourages new models that make coverage more affordable and accessible, ensuring families have financial security when planning for senior care.
Maggie Elehwany emphasized the importance of this report, stating, “This report is not just about numbers—it’s about real people and their ability to access high-quality care. Assisted living plays a critical role in our healthcare continuum, and we need policies that reflect its value by increasing affordability, strengthening the workforce, and expanding veterans’ care choices.”
Commitments from Lawmakers and Next Steps
Following the 110 Congressional meetings and impactful testimony, PPI attendees secured critical commitments from lawmakers to co-sponsor key legislation and champion senior living priorities. However, the advocacy work does not stop in Washington, D.C. In the coming months, Argentum and its advocates will continue pushing for legislative action.
Advocacy is an ongoing effort, and we encourage all senior living professionals to stay engaged in the movement to support seniors and caregivers. Here are four key ways you can continue making a difference:
- Become an Argentum Advocate – Join the Argentum Advocates program to receive regular policy updates, action alerts, and opportunities to participate in grassroots campaigns that influence decision-makers.
- Contribute to the Advocacy Fund – Your corporate contributions help support government affairs efforts, direct lobbying, research, and media outreach to promote the value of assisted living.
- Schedule a Lawmaker Visit – Host a Congressional visit at your community to provide lawmakers with firsthand insight into the positive impact of assisted living.
- Help Tell Our Story – Support the “I Love Assisted Living” initiative by sharing personal stories that highlight the compassionate care and vibrant communities that define senior living.
By continuing to raise our voices, we can drive meaningful policy changes that ensure seniors receive the care, community, and dignity they deserve—now and for generations to come.
