2005: A Year to Protect Older Kentuckians
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2005-02-01 00:00:00-05:00
AARP Kentucky volunteers and staff will be spending this 5th year of the new century working hard to protect Kentucky's older citizens on several fronts.
Social Security
First of all, we will be very involved in the national fight to protect against assaults on the guarantees of Social Security while at the same time working with members of congress to develop a Social Security reform package that will guarantee this critical basic retirement benefit for generations to come. Based on member surveys, the AARP Board of Directors and the AARP Kentucky Executive Council view plans to "carve out" a part of Social Security payments for private investment accounts a threat, not a cure, for the system's ills. AARP Kentucky will be joining the national effort to dissuade congress from adopting this plan.
Elder Abuse
Once again, a group of dedicated Kentucky lawmakers will be sponsoring legislation to provide added protection against Elder Abuse. Whether it be physical, mental or economic abuse…no matter if the abuse comes from family, friend or stranger… abuse of this state's most vulnerable citizens needs to be reported and violators prosecuted. The proposed legislation, HB298, will require everyone to report elder abuse and will set up a system of accountability to make sure all incidents are investigated and prosecuted. AARP Kentucky volunteers have been in the halls of the Capitol and attending committee meetings to urge legislators to pass this needed law.
Long-Term Care Reform
For several years, AARP Kentucky has been calling for a reform to the Long-Term Care system to make more funds available for Home and Community-Based services. Study after study has shown people respond better to geriatric care administered in their home and community rather than in a nursing facility. The same studies show this approach is most successful when patients get to participate in care decisions, a process known as Cash and Counseling. We are indeed encouraged by recent actions taken by the Fletcher administration to seek a Medicaid Waiver to start a pilot Cash and Counseling project and will be working with Health and Family Service Secretary James Holsinger as well as the legislature to implement these and other Long-Term Care reforms.
Mobile Home Eviction Protection
If you rent a home, townhouse, condo or apartment in Kentucky, there are laws to protect you from eviction from that property without due process. Not so if you reside in a mobile home…even if you own the home. According to HUD, in 1999 around 41% of mobile homes used as a primary residence were owned or rented by someone age 50 or older. Legislators have already heard from mobile home residents from around the state about incidents of evictions, sometimes over night, for petty rules infractions or for no reason at all. AARP Kentucky is partnering with the Office of Kentucky Legal Service Programs in promoting the adoption of HB205, a law that would extend the due process right to mobile home residents.
Other Resources
preview