AARP North Carolina 2008 Legislative Priorities

By: States: North Carolina | Source: AARP.org

Increase funding for the Home and Community Care Block Grant. The grant provides support for home and community-based services such as home delivered meals, in-home aide services and transportation assistance to help people 60 and over stay in their homes. There are over 13,000 older adults on the waiting list for these services.

Expand programs and support for family caregivers. Appropriate funding for Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty) which provides respite support to caregivers of persons with dementia and pass legislation to ensure employees are allowed at least seven paid sick days a year.

Increase funding for the Housing Trust Fund. The fund finances the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing.

Increase funding to expand dental care services, including mobile dental care programs, for older and disabled adults. There is a particular need to expand services to special need populations such as nursing home and adult care home residents and persons with dementia.

Increase funding for senior centers. There are 163 senior centers in the state. The state appropriation for centers is less than $1.6 million. Additional state funding is needed to expand and strengthen programs and services offered at centers.

Strengthen state elder abuse and guardianship laws. These laws, which have not been changed in many years, need to be amended to better protect our state’s most vulnerable citizens.

Address issues related to the appropriate placement of individuals with mental illness. The placement of individuals with mental health needs in facilities with frail older adults because there are no other placement options available presents challenges and has resulted in instances where older residents have been put at risk or actually harmed. Steps need to be taken to ensure there are appropriate care options for persons with mental health needs.

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http://www.aarp.org/community/AARPNC/journals/Issue_Brief_Star_Rating_S/217932?cn=STREAM_AARPNC_journals_large_PAGE1

Issue Brief: Placement of Individuals with Mental Illness
http://www.aarp.org/community/AARPNC/journals/Issue_Brief_Placement_of_/217872?cn=STREAM_AARPNC_journals_large_PAGE1

Issue Brief: Elder Abuse and Guardianship
http://www.aarp.org/community/AARPNC/journals/Issue_Brief_Elder_Abuse_a/217862?cn=STREAM_AARPNC_journals_large_PAGE1

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http://www.aarp.org/community/AARPNC/journals/Issue_Brief_Senior_Center/217852?cn=STREAM_AARPNC_journals_large_PAGE1

Issue Brief: Dental Care Services
http://www.aarp.org/community/AARPNC/journals/Issue_Brief_Dental_Care_S/217842?cn=STREAM_AARPNC_journals_large_PAGE1

Issue Brief: Housing Trust Fund
http://www.aarp.org/community/AARPNC/journals/Issue_Brief_Housing_Trust/217812?cn=STREAM_AARPNC_journals_large_PAGE1

Issue Brief: Programs and Supports for Family Caregivers
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Issue Brief: Home and Community-Based Services
http://www.aarp.org/community/AARPNC/journals/Issue_Brief_Home_and_Comm/217792?cn=STREAM_AARPNC_journals_large_PAGE1