The federal government is making about $103 million in relief funding available to reduce burnout and promote mental health among senior living workers and others in healthcare.
The Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration announced the funding from the American Rescue Plan on Friday. Organizations that provide healthcare, including assisted living and other senior living operators, can use the funding over three years to establish a culture of wellness and support training efforts that build resiliency for those at the beginning of their careers.
A spokesperson from the American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living said it applauded the funding to promote mental health among “healthcare heroes on the frontlines.”
“The pandemic has taken an emotional and physical toll on our healthcare workers, and burnout is a real concern, especially as many long-term caregivers felt forgotten or blamed for a vicious virus that uniquely targeted the elderly,” the spokesperson told McKnight’s Senior Living. “Long-term care providers are facing a historic workforce shortage crisis, and these funds are a great first step to assist our caregivers.”
Funding will be funneled through three programs to support the implementation of evidence-based strategies to help organizations and providers respond to stressful situations, endure hardship, avoid burnout and foster healthy workplace environments that promote mental health and resiliency.
Approximately $68 million will be awarded through the Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Training Program, about $29 million will go through the Promoting Resilience and Mental Health Among Health Professionals Workforce program, and one $6 million award will be made through the Health and Public Safety Workforce Resiliency Technical Assistance Center.
“It is essential that we provide behavioral health resources for our healthcare providers — from paraprofessionals to public safety offers — so that they can continue to deliver quality care to our most vulnerable communities,” HHS secretary Xavier Becerra said in a news release.
Applications are due Aug. 30.
