AARP Delaware Advocates for You in 2024

AARP Delaware advocates for Delawareans age 50 and older, and their families, and works with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to support legislation and issues that make the First State a great place to live for people of all ages.

“Our priority is to work with legislators on the important issues facing our state and urge all sides to create policies that make Delaware a better place to live, work and retire,” said AARP Delaware State Director Lucretia Young. “We are implementing AARP’s mission to give older Delawareans more choices as to how they live as they age.”

Priorities for the 2024 legislative session include advocating for policies that prevent fraud, support family caregivers, help older adults live safely and independently in their communities, and more.

FIGHTING FRAUD

AARP Delaware is supporting HB 317, a bill to protect Delawareans from gift card fraud. It requires sellers of gift cards to post a warning sign so shoppers will be aware that scammers often use gift cards as a way to steal money. Once scammers get the numbers off the card, that money is gone, and it's not likely to be recovered. If someone asks you to pay a bill with a gift card or read the numbers off a gift card to them over the phone, they are probably scamming you.

SUPPORTING FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Delaware’s 123,000 unpaid family caregivers, who provide an estimated millions of hours of care yearly by assisting their older parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents, and other loved ones every day so they can live independently in their homes – where they want to be. AARP calls on legislators to support these caregivers in two important ways:

• Explore ways to offset the financial costs of caring for a family member including caregiver tax credits or other reimbursement programs.
• Continue to implement recommendations of the Aging-in-Place Task Force, the Long Term Care and Memory Care Task Force and the new Caucus on Aging.

CREATING LIVABLE COMMUNITIES
AARP calls on lawmakers to help older adults live safely and independently in their communities. Providing more transportation options, affordable housing, and safer streets can all make communities more livable for people of all ages.

To help achieve this goal, AARP Delaware has an eye on all types of local and statewide legislation that creates more options for accessible, affordable living. We’ve supported accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) and other ways to make it easier for people to remain at home for as long as possible.

AARP Delaware supports better housing options because they:

• Help older adults age in place
• Can provide an additional stream of income
• Provide an opportunity for caregivers to live with their loved ones

INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

In addition to our advocacy work, AARP provides valuable information and resources through a variety of free, educational, interactive, and fun events. Explore our in-person and virtual offerings at https://states.aarp.org/delaware/events-de and stay informed by signing up for our emails.

You Can Make a Difference. Join AARP’s Mobile Activist Team!
AARP Delaware advocates on issues like Social Security, caregiving, financial security, livable communities, health care, internet access, age discrimination, prescription drug prices and more. We can’t do it without people like you who want to make a difference and improve the quality of life for residents of all ages. Join a team where you can make an impact in your community. Find out what our First State Action Team is working on at https://states.aarp.org/delaware/first-state-action, and discover how you can become a volunteer at www.aarp.org/iwanttovolunteer. In addition, you can text JOIN to 22777 to subscribe to text messages from AARP to stay up-to-date with advocacy information and alerts.*

*By providing your mobile number you are consenting to receive recurring text messages from AARP at the number provided. Your consent is not required as a condition to purchase goods/services. Message and data rates may apply.