Legislative

2022-23 SE4A Legislative Priorities

Increase Appropriations - Increase FY 2023 Older Americans Act appropriations that invest in services, build capacity, and provide benefits for our community's older adults and their families. The ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the older adult population continues to be challenging and to have a negative impact. Additional federal funding is needed so that we may continue to provide essential care to our older adults during this unprecedented time and to replace pandemic relief funding that will be reduced or stop completely over the next year.
Support Caregivers – Support family and other caregivers of older adults through funding and programs that assist caregivers and enable older adult loved ones to remain safely and independently in the community. Increase funding and flexibility under the federal caregiver assistance programs to address such issues as low pay to direct care workers, financial support to family caregivers, and housing and home improvement.
Support Funding to Increase the Direct Care Workforce for the Care of Older and Disabled Adults – Low pay and the ongoing pandemic have resulted in unprecedented staff shortages both in long term care and for in-home services. This has left the most vulnerable older adults at increased risk for poor care and premature institutionalization. Invest in funding for increased pay and incentives, better training and education, and development of career opportunities for direct care workers is crucial.
Support Funding and Programs for Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) – Always present as an important issue, SDOH have become a central issue since the pandemic. Addressing non-medical needs such as housing, transportation, nutrition, economic stability and more improve both health outcomes and quality of life. Support and fund programs that improve the SDOH for older adults and allow existing programs to have the flexibility to do so.

The Older Americans Act Program

Provides older adults the support they need to live independently, safely, and with dignity in their own homes and remain in their community.
Gives seniors, caregivers, and families a ‘one-stop-shop’ to find the help they need through information, access, and eligibility assistance.
Helps caregivers and families who are caring for their elderly loved ones by providing essential support including counseling, training, and respite care. Such support helps caregivers continue in their role by alleviating exhaustion and fear.
Saves the government and taxpayer’s money. Home and Community Care prevents unnecessary hospitalization and helps seniors avoid or delay the need for institutional care.