AARP INDIANA STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR HOLCOMB’S CHANGES TO COVID-19 RESPONSE FOR LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES

INDIANAPOLIS – Today AARP Indiana State Director Sarah Waddle released the following statement regarding Governor Holcomb’s announcement Wednesday of the state’s latest efforts in assisting long-term care facilities in protecting their residents and staff from COVID-19.

“Since this pandemic began more than seven months ago, we have seen the disproportionate impact this virus has had on Hoosiers in long-term care facilities with 58 percent of the state’s COVID-19 deaths being residents. As Indiana sees rising cases across the state, we appreciate Governor Holcomb utilizing the publicly available, facility-level data, to take additional actions and better deploy critical supplies.

“Access to resources for sufficient testing and PPE has been a focus for AARP Indiana dating back to the first letter we sent to the Governor on May 19th and a second letter sent on August 27th. These critical supplies are necessary to ensure not only the safety of residents, but also the staff who have been on the front lines, trying to do their jobs in the face of incredible challenges.

“We’re pleased to see the state’s creation of a pilot program in Marion, Hamilton, St. Joseph, Floyd and surrounding counties that would allow discharged hospital patients to receive care at home first, rather than at a facility. Indiana has needed to invest more in home and community-based services for years and our current health crisis has put a spotlight on this fact. AARP Indiana is ready to engage as a strong collaborative partner to promote awareness of this new option for Hoosiers caregivers and residents.”

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