Providers would welcome immigrants, including Afghan refugees, into the long-term care workforce in a show of support to their resettlement efforts.
“Together, we can ensure our nation’s seniors receive the highest quality care while creating a bright future for our new Afghan neighbors,” Clifton Porter II, senior vice president of government relations for the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, said in a statement Wednesday.
Porter’s comments came after AHCA/NCAL participated in a virtual roundtable with leaders of major American companies hosted by the White House on Wednesday to discuss its Operation Allies Welcome initiative, which provides support to Afghan refugees as they settle in America.
Immigrants, including refugees, are a valuable part of the long term care workforce, providing critical support to older adults and individuals with disabilities nationwide. Individuals who are willing to serve our vulnerable residents—especially during a global pandemic—deserve our appreciation and support,” Porter said.
He also explained that the association partners with groups like the International Rescue Committee ,and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services that aids refugees and immigrants pursue careers into the long-term care industry.
“Providers welcome these newcomers with open arms and will do everything in our power to help them through this transition and moving forward,” Porter said.
Immigration staffing programs have been lauded by long-term care providers as a means to help address the workforce crisis currently plaguing the industry. An Illinois provider earlier this month detailed how its nurse recruitment program in the Philippines has helped it add more than 300 licensed nurses to its facilities.
