2007 State Legislative Agenda Seeks to Keep Older Adults in Their Own Homes
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-01-26 12:32:38.498608-05:00
As the filing deadline for legislation nears, AARP Illinois continues to work on refining its legislative package for 2007. Legislation contained in the package focuses on aiding older adults to remain active and in their own homes longer and provides residents with clear avenues to speak to appointed officials.
Two initiatives contained in AARP Illinois' request to the legislature were derived from insight given at 15 listening sessions the association held this past summer.
Sessions were held in metropolitan areas, mid-size communities and rural small towns. Regardless of the location, participants expressed a desire to remain in their own homes and concern that services currently offered by the state were not sufficient to allow this to happen. The lack of services and information about what services are available in rural areas was startling. To address these concerns, legislation will be offered to overhaul the state's in-home services program and establish an older rural adult initiative.
With the vast majority of older residents capped at only 20 hours of in-home assistance per week, AARP Illinois dug deeper to look at the root causes of the access the problems.
Several areas of concern were immediately identified. Individuals whose need for assistance occurred after they turned 60 were entitled to fewer hours of service than those who entered the service delivery system prior to turning age 60.
As amazing as it may sound, if you had a stroke that left you disabled the day before you turn 60, you can access more services than if you had a stroke that left you disabled the day you turn age 60.
Access to care is further reduced for those disabled at age 60 or older by a formula the state uses to restrict the services contained in the individualized plan of care. When you add to this the simple fact that case managers are either restricted from or reluctant to order the maximum level of assistance that an older person is entitled to, it is not surprising that listening session participants raised an alarm.
Listening sessions held in rural areas found that life was indeed becoming more and more difficult for the elderly in these communities once they could no longer drive. With banks, grocery stores, café's, and gas stations closing, older residents were being forced to choose between remaining in their own homes close to lifelong friends and leaving the area completely.
Service delivery problems faced in more populous areas were further compounded. Often times such basic services such as home delivered meals or congregate meal sites did not exist.
Your help is needed on these and other initiatives if AARP Illinois is to have another successful legislative session.
Please fill out this online form to reserve your Quality Aging Now Legislative Briefing Packet. The packets will be ready for distribution by Feb. 1. Included will be a complete list of all legislation introduced at AARP's request along with fact sheets that explain each initiative and its impact on older adults and their families. The packet will also include information on contacting your state representatives and senators to voice your opinion. With your help, AARP Illinois will continue to make a difference in the lives of older adults in Illinois.
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