Momentum Builds for Senior-Focused Policies
Posted by Radiance PVL on Thu, Feb 17, 2011 @ 08:01 AM
Efforts to direct Congressional attention on public policies that focus on the practical needs of senior citizens took a big step today as over 170 representatives of the senior living industry met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
Organized by The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), the meeting directed Congress' attention to some key issues that will improve the quality of life for millions of seniors who either currently live in senior care facilities, or are contemplating a move in the future.
Efforts to fund the recently-passed National Alzheimer’s Project Act, as well as a call to prevent increases in home health co-pays were among the topics raised at the meeting.
An aging baby boomer population necessitates strategic thinking on the issue of Alzheimer's, as millions of adults born between 1944 and 1964 face serious health consequences, or death, from the disease. As the United States comes to terms with the challenge, many are beginning to advocate for new approaches.
A closely watched component of the current federal budget debate is the prospect of increased home health care co-pays, such as those under consideration in some states. As home health care needs accelerate the topic will grow in significance for the millions of seniors who are currently able to live in their homes with the aid of caregivers visiting occasionally to help with meal preparation, housekeeping and medication reminders.
Congressional attention on the issues facing seniors is important not only because of the complex challenges related to providing high-quality care to an aging population, but also because the industry is one of the largest employers in the nation and will likely see only growth as a source of job-growth in the years to come.
Advocacy for senior-focused policy making saw a positive development in the meeting with Congressional members, and hopefully additional steps will take place to educate lawmakers on this prominent subject.
(Image Courtesy of geetarchurchy on Flickr)
What Do You Think?
Do you follow news on senior living issues, and if so what issues do you think need more, or less, attention?
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