ALEXANDRIA, Va.  – April 12, 2011 -- The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) praised the Georgia House of Representatives for passing a bill today that will allow frail seniors the ability to receive necessary care in home and community-based settings and avoid unnecessary moves to institutional environments.

The bill will create a licensure category for assisted living and expand the types of services seniors may receive beyond what is currently allowed in personal care homes.   These services will include medication administration by specially trained aides and more options for residents who require assistance with mobility.

“We commend Georgia legislators for passing this landmark legislation, which will advance quality of life for Georgia’s seniors and their families,” said Richard P. Grimes, president and CEO of the Assisted Living Federation of America.  “No senior should be forced to live in an institutional setting when quality care is available in the safety and comfort of residential options such as assisted living.  Georgians are one step closer to having more choice and greater peace of mind when selecting senior care for themselves or aging loved ones.”

The bill passed the Senate on March 14.  Any amendments made to the bill by the House are expected to be accepted by bill sponsor, Senator Johnny Grant (R-Milledgeville) before it is forwarded to Governor Nathan Deal.  State Representative Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta) sponsored the House companion legislation.

ALFA and its state affiliate, Georgia ALFA, took a major leadership role in promoting this legislation.  In addition, many consumer and provider organizations championed the passage of this legislation including AARP Georgia, Alzheimer’s Association - Georgia Chapter, Coalition of Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly (CO-AGE), Aging Services of Georgia, Assisted Living Association of Georgia, Georgia Association of Community Care Providers and the Georgia Health Care Association.

About the Assisted Living Federation of America
The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) is the largest national association exclusively dedicated to professionally-managed, resident-centered senior living communities and the seniors and families they serve.  Since 1990, ALFA has advocated for choice, accessibility, independence, dignity, and quality of life for all seniors.  ALFA’s programs promote business and operational excellence through education, research, publications, professional networking and online tools designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurialism in the field of senior living.  Visit ALFA’s Web site at www.alfa.org.

Contact:

Jamison Gosselin 
SVP of Marketing and Communications
703-562-1185
JGosselin@ALFA.org

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