Around Town : Caring for our older Americans should be priority
Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Each May, our nation pays tribute to the contributions that older Americans have made to our country, as many communities all across our great nation come together to celebrate Older Americans Month.
Having grown up in eastern Arkansas within walking distance of both my grandparents, I learned incredible lessons from them that I still carry with me today. The pride and dedication they had for our country was impressed on me at an early age - whether it was hearing about my grandfather's service in World War I or about the jar that my grandmother used to store coins during the Great Depression.
And even though I didn't know it, I was a caregiver at an early age by taking nightly meals to their house or years later sharing a room with my grandmother. That time spent with her was priceless for both of us. She was able to share her experiences and values with me, and I was able to learn lessons from her life. Today's world is much different. Even though we no longer live within walking distance of our parents, my husband, Steve, and I make a conscious effort to ensure that our children spend quality time with their grandparents.
During Older Americans Month, I'd like to highlight a few of my priorities in the U. S. Senate that seek to assist and protect these valued citizens.
One of those priorities is the Older Americans Act, which ensures that our country fulfills its moral obligation to our seniors by delivering human, social and nutritional services for older persons. Last year, I introduced a provision to fully fund these services for programs such as Meals on Wheels, senior center services and support for family caregivers. These funds will save taxpayer dollars by reducing premature nursing home placement, averting malnutrition and controlling chronic health conditions.
Addressing long-term care and chronic care are other priorities. Six years ago, I watched my mother devote herself to the care of my father as he suffered from Alzheimer's disease. My family's experience is not unique. Long-term care for our loved ones can be quite costly without proper planning. I have authored legislation that creates incentives to encourage more Americans to plan for their long-term care needs. Improving and modernizing the quality of care in nursing homes and long-term care facilities is also a necessity to give families peace of mind.
Furthermore, coordinating chronic conditions can greatly improve the quality of life for millions of America's seniors, and I have introduced legislation to address this issue. Chronic care generally involves the treatment of multiple health conditions that limit an individual. Studies indicate that when patients are linked with a physician or other qualified health professionals to coordinate care, it results in improved quality of care, increased efficiency and greater cost-effectiveness. I have also introduced additional legislation that would address America's growing nursing shortage and would focus on training more geriatric nurses.
Lastly, I have worked to introduce the Elder Justice Act to protect our seniors from physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse. The perpetrator may be a stranger, an acquaintance, a paid caregiver, a corporation and, sadly, even a spouse or another family member. The Elder Justice Act confronts elder abuse in the same ways we combat child abuse and violence against women: through law enforcement, public health programs and social services at all levels of government. I continue to champion this bill because every older person has the right to enjoy his or her golden years free of abuse and neglect.
As Older Americans Month continues, we must remember to care for those who have given so much to our country. During this time, I encourage Arkansans to look back and consider the special people in your life, like an elderly neighbor or grandparent, who supported your dreams and provided wisdom and advice throughout your development. We should also never forget our veterans, those in "The Greatest Generation," who sacrificed so much to protect our freedom. By remaining committed to our older Americans and making their care a priority, we are fulfilling so many of the lessons that they instilled in us throughout their lives.
U. S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln can be contacted in Washington, D. C. at (202 ) 224-4843, or in her Arkansas office at (800 ) 352-9364.
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