PETITION TO THE 106TH CONGRESS
REAUTHORIZE THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT
SUPPORT FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Whereas, the current Older Americans Act expired in October of 1995.
Further delay in reauthorizing the Act will erode the strength and viability of
the programs and services delivered to older adults at the federal, state and
community levels. This delay also adversely affects the capacity of the
aging network and other entities to respond to critical needs and interest of
older Americans.
Whereas, it is consistent with the consumer-directed focus of the Act to
expand the role of the aging network in home and community-based service
coordination and delivery.
Whereas, for far too long, the needs of caregivers of older adults and
persons with disabilities have been overlooked by policymakers in debates on
health and income security and there has been a strong bias within our nation's
public health care system against funding home and community-based long term
care services.
Whereas, the most cost-effective and preferred form of long term care is home
and community based services (such as home-delivered meals, homemaker services
and respite care). These services enable people to remain independent in
their own homes and communities.
Therefore be it resolved, the undersigned individuals and organizations call
upon the Congress of the United States to reauthorize the Older Americans Act in
the 106th Congress.
Be it further resolved, that Congress fund the National Family Caregiver
Support Program at the requested level of $125 million in the Older Americans
Act to provide information, assistance and critically needed home and
community-based services to older adults and their caregivers.
Be it further resolved, that Congress invest a dollar for every senior in the
United States under the following Older Americans Act programs: (1) by adding
$35 million to the senior meals programs; (2) by adding $35 million to services
supporting seniors' needs at home (Title III-B); and (3) by adding at least $3.5 million
to Title VI Indian Aging organizations.
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