Expanding its labor pool and accessing capital to fund construction projects are two ways the long-term care field can stimulate U.S. economic recovery, the American Health Care Association and the Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care said Thursday.
The organizations released the details of a four-point plan they believe will help improve the economy and increase job growth. Boosting a healthcare workforce through retraining and taking advantage of low-interest loans to fund construction projects are two ways to improve the economy, Alliance President Alan G. Rosenbloom said in a release. The long-term care industry can create up to 100,000 more construction jobs through “shovel ready” construction projects, he said. Rosenbloom and AHCA President and CEO Bruce Yarwood also urged the federal government to enhance federal Medicaid funds to avoid dramatic cutbacks in state services to the elderly.
Both agencies also prodded lawmakers to include the long-term care industry in any future healthcare information technology initiatives. More information about the agencies’ plan is available at either www.ahca.org or www.aqnhc.org.
