Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane, chairperson of the Committee on Health and Veterans Affairs, has introduced legislation to create Guam's first comprehensive framework for assisted living residences and other community-based care options for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Bill No. 329-38 aims to fill the gap between living independently at home and moving into a nursing home, serving residents who need daily assistance but remain ambulatory — some of whom are still employed.
"Guam is in desperate need of assisted living facilities as part of our island's continuum of care," Salas Matanane said. "There are residents out there who live alone and need help with medication management, sometimes personal hygiene or even cooking meals who are still ambulatory and some of whom still remain employed but need daily assistance. Assisted Living facilities allow them the freedom to remain independent and contributing members of society while ensuring their safety and well-being at the same time."
The bill would create assisted living and supportive housing options; establish licensing, inspections and oversight by the Department of Public Health and Social Services; require background checks, staff training and accountability standards for providers; and protect residents through privacy and visitation rights, grievance procedures and individualized care planning. It would also position Guam to pursue federal funding for home and community-based care services.
The measure has bipartisan support, with cosponsors including Sens. William Parkinson, Shawn Gumataotao, Speaker Frank Blas Jr., Joe San Agustin, Tina Muña Barnes, Vice Speaker Tony Ada and Chris Dueñas.
Salas Matanane credited input from the Department of Public Health and Social Services, GHURA and Mayors Council President and Piti Mayor Jesse Alig, who she said vetted drafts and suggested changes. "I'd like to thank them very much for their input and their concern for Guam's manamko' and persons with disabilities who this bill will serve," she said.