Advocacy

If you’re 50 or older and live in Delaware, you’re probably doing more than your share to boost the state’s economy. A recent report by Oxford Economics for AARP dispels the myth that older people are a fiscal burden.

As you know, catastrophic budget cuts to Delaware’s Grant in Aid were passed in last year’s State budget. Much of the funding that was once provided to Delaware’s senior centers, health clinics, and veteran’s programs was reduced, resulting in a loss of services to residents age 50 and over.

I recently had the opportunity to join the dynamic staff and volunteers at AARP for their annual Lobby Day at Legislative Hall in Dover. It was my first time in my new role as AARP Delaware State President. The person in this top volunteer role represents AARP to a variety of governmental, corporate and community partners in the state and helps drive the mission of AARP – to make life better for those over age 50, and their families.

Each day, more than 123,000 Delawareans serve as caregivers for family members. Families are doing their best to care for loved ones at home. But they cannot do it alone. They need help to balance work, family and caregiving. Why does Delaware law say you cannot have a nurse’s aide come into your home and administer medicines to your loved one while you’re at work? AARP and a coalition of partners want to change this law, and let families get real help at home.

Strokes, surgeries, and trauma from falls or other injuries sometimes result in patients needing extensive care by physical, occupational or speech therapists. But because of inaction by Congress, many seniors on Medicare are facing expensive out-of-pocket costs for treatments they need to remain independent.

AARP Delaware is applauding the Delaware Public Service Commission for taking swift action to lower the rates that homeowners and businesses are charged for electricity, natural gas and other utilities after a federal tax overhaul took effect on Jan. 1.

Caregiving is challenging, as Delaware’s 123,000 unpaid family caregivers can attest. Home health aides can provide needed support with tasks such as bathing, dressing and feeding. But because state law does not allow these workers to administer medications, family caregivers often have to leave work to do it themselves.

Each day, thousands of Delawareans serve as caregivers for family members. These family caregivers often have full-time day jobs; they return home from work to provide evening care, or dash home at lunch to check in on loved ones. They provide trusted care to those they hold most dear—an emotionally challenging, but critical, role in our society.

George Meldrum of Wilmington has been appointed as the new state president of AARP Delaware. AARP has more than 185,000 members in the state and is instrumental in improving the lives of older adults through information, advocacy, community service, local offerings and events.

Delaware’s population is aging faster than the national average. Are supportive services for long-term care adequate to deal with this trend?