President Donald Trump signed a petition on April 30 to officially name May as “Older Americans Month.” The declaration comes alongside new steps to safeguard the health and well-being of America’s senior citizens.
“As we honor the incredible contributions of our seniors we’re here today to discuss the unprecedented steps that we’re taking to protect our seniors from the virus.”
The signing comes alongside new White House action to protect nursing homes and older citizens amid the pandemic.
Noting that the elderly are particularly vulnerable to virus infection—especially those in nursing homes—Trump announced 3 new moves to help protect them.
First, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will send new shipments of Personal Protective Equipment to all 15,400 Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing homes in the United States.
Next, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid will give over $80 million dollars to states to fund increased inspection in nursing homes.
Also being finalized this week is a rule requiring information about virus cases in nursing homes to be reported to the CDC, as well as residents and families. Nursing home testing data will also be posted online.
“We will protect your social security, we will protect your medicare, we will protect you,” Trump said.
Lastly, Trump announced the “coronavirus commission”—to oversee “safety and quality” in nursing homes. The group will include doctors, scientists, specialists, resident and patient advocates, family members, and state and local authorities.
He added that it will convene for the first time in May, to advise on “next steps” to safeguard seniors.
