McKnights Senior Living

Assisted living and other long-term care providers in Pennsylvania are eligible to apply for almost $12 million in federal funding to invest in workforce and infrastructure needs to build “long-term resiliency” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has announced that it will distribute federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding to help assisted living facilities, personal care homes, skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities through the Long-Term Care Quality Investment Pilot. 

Margie Zelenak, executive director of the Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association, told McKnight’s Senior Living that the funding provides an opportunity to expand workforce capabilities and training, as well as improve technical and physical infrastructure.

“COVID-19 caught many of our members by surprise, especially with the lack of technology,” Zelenak said. “This grant allows communities to invest in equipment to assist with communication with staff, residents and families. The upgrades to HVAC systems will improve airflow and reduce airborne health hazards.”

She added that the pilot is another way the commonwealth recognized the important role that assisted living and personal care homes provide in the continuum of care.

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