IHCA/INCAL Thanks Indiana National Guard Members for their Dedication and Invaluable Support to Long-Term Care Communities

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 28, 2021) –The Indiana Health Care Association/ Indiana Center for Assisted Living (IHCA/INCAL) issued the following statement thanking the Indiana National Guard members for providing much-needed assistance to our state’s long-term care (LTC) facilities as they continue to fight the historic challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are deeply appreciative of the invaluable support that the Indiana Guardsmen have provided to more than 500 LTC facilities of our state since November 2020.  We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our guardsmen for their tireless efforts and relentless passion to serve their community.

More than 1,500 guardsmen and women were deployed to provide non-clinical assistance to our state’s LTC facilities – a decision that was warmly welcomed by the providers, caregivers and the profession. From visitor and staff screening to cleaning and disinfection and PPE stocking and tracking, these guardsmen and women did a tremendous job helping LTC facilities in protecting the most vulnerable populations.

“This level of support was critical for our providers who have been at the forefront of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and have performed heroic efforts to protect the elderly population” said Zach Cattell, president of the IHCA/INCAL. “The Indiana National Guard deployment enabled the clinical leadership and staff at LTC facilities to focus their time delivering person-centered care to our residents” said Cattell.

“For many of these young people this was their first time in a nursing home,” said Yvonne Tanner, vice president of clinical operations at Golden Living Centers and the chairperson of the IHCA/INCAL board of directors.

“They swiftly integrated themselves to our teams and provided assistance in multiple areas including helping our residents interact with their loved ones remotely via face time, zoom or a phone call.  We are profoundly grateful to the guardsmen for quickly stepping up to serve our staff and residents during these trying times,” said Tanner.

The IHCA/INCAL is thankful to Governor Holcomb for extending the National Guard support until end of February 2021.  “This additional time also served as a great opportunity for the guardsmen to strengthen their bonds with their community and make a difference in the lives of our seniors,” said Cattell.

On Jan. 27, the Indiana Department of Health confirmed that the Indiana National Guard deployment will end approximately seven (7) days after each nursing facility’s second vaccine clinic date.  A full list of the Indiana National Guard end dates by facility are available here.”

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About IHCA/INCAL

IHCA/INCAL is the state’s largest trade association and advocacy group representing for-profit and not-for-profit nursing homes, as well as assisted living communities and independent living. The association provides education, information, and advocacy for health care providers, consumers, and the workforce on behalf of its more than 444-member facilities.