Advocacy

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?

The State of Delaware has eliminated the Senior Prescription Assistance Program due to cuts in the budget approved this past July. The State sent a letter to each senior who had been receiving assistance through the program, telling them the program was ending. The letter also explained that seniors who were losing the state benefit had the option to switch to a Part D prescription plan with a lower premium.

AARP Delaware is conducting a statewide search for its new State President. This volunteer leader works in collaboration with other appropriate volunteers and staff to position AARP in Delaware, and achieve the AARP vision, mission, and strategic priorities. The State President will be governed by the policies and procedures of the Association. To apply, contact Carlos de los Ramos at cdelosramos@aarp.org.

Delaware ranks twenty-eighth overall when it comes to meeting the long-term care needs of older residents and people with disabilities, but AARP warns more must be done, at an accelerated pace, to meet changing demographic demands. Specific areas of concern in Delaware include “Support for Family Caregivers,” in particular the area of nurse delegation and nurse practitioner scope of practice. This, according to a new, comprehensive state-by-state Scorecard from AARP with support of the nation’s leading organizations behind quality long-term care, The Commonwealth Fund and SCAN Foundation.

More and more people age 50+ are moving to Delaware. And most of them are hitting the road and doing it safely. In fact, we know that older drivers are safe drivers. The incidence of older driver crashes and fatalities has declined steadily. These older drivers are keeping their licenses longer and driving more often. We also know they are less likely to talk on a cellphone while driving or drive under the influence of alcohol.