Affordable Housing Survey Reveals COVID-19 Cases, Isolation, & Financial Strain

Posted on October 28, 2020 by Bobbie Guidry

A national survey of senior housing providers by LeadingAge finds COVID-19 cases in a majority of communities, and that financial strain and resident social isolation are key concerns.

On October 21, LeadingAge released the results of an early October survey of the impact of COVID-19 on affordable senior housing provider members.

Working with HUD and federal, state, and local health partners, affordable senior housing providers have faced significant challenges in the prevention and spread of COVID-19 in their communities. Notably, the majority of survey respondents (59.74%) say they are aware of confirmed COVID-19 cases in some or most of their property or properties.

The survey results highlight the impact of the virus on resident social isolation: More than three quarters (84%) of survey respondents consider resident social isolation and access to services to be the top challenge in the next three months. The survey also highlights staffing struggles resulting from the pandemic, as well as maintenance backlogs, occupancy issues, and resident internet access.

In addition, the survey found that the majority (69%) of affordable senior housing providers are financially strained, if not severely financially strained, due to the virus. Resources from March 2020’s CARES Act to cover costs associated with cleaning and disinfecting, personal protective equipment, staffing and other operational adjustments to protect staff and residents, are just now beginning to be delivered to HUD-assisted affordable senior housing providers.

“This is a wake-up call: COVID is not just a nursing home issue,” Katie Smith Sloan, President and CEO of LeadingAge, said in a press statement. “This data shows why Congress must act now to help millions of vulnerable older adults for whom COVID could be a death sentence. Funding and access to testing, personal protective equipment, and other resources are critical to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among residents and staff in their communities.” 

When the pandemic hit, providers pivoted to provide supports to aide sheltering at home. From grocery delivery to frequent disinfecting, to trash removal, staff worked to minimize the need for seniors to leave their homes. 

Mark Ricketts, President and CEO of Ohio-based National Church Residences, operator of 310 affordable housing communities in 25 states and Puerto Rico, shared, “Digital resources are out of reach for many low-income seniors living in our affordable housing communities. This comes at a time when health care providers are reporting a large increase in telehealth visits, but a majority of our residents, most of whom have chronic medical conditions, don’t have the resources to conduct these visits remotely. This leaves them cut off from the care, services and support systems they need to remain healthy and socially connected during this challenging time.” 

LeadingAge continues to push Congress and the White House to reach agreement on a COVID-19 relief package that includes $1.2 billion in support for affordable senior housing. The package of support, encapsulated in HR 6893 and S 4177, include $300 million for new Service Coordinators and $50 million for the installation and service fees for in-unit Wi-Fi, as well as general COVID-19 relief.