Advocacy

Excellent news! Massachusetts is one step closer to joining 38 other states in passing the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (UAGPPJA), and adopting a model set of rules to make it easier for family caregivers to provide care across state lines.

Imagine you’ve just moved to Massachusetts. Ten years ago, after sending your children off to college, you took on the responsibility of being the legal guardian of your ailing aunt, and moved her to a facility close to your home. You’ve now relocated to Massachusetts for a job opportunity, but once settled in the Commonwealth, you realize that your rights as your aunt’s legal guardian do not transfer to the Bay State. What do you do?

It’s wintertime in New England. For some that means skiing, hot chocolate, sledding, and cozy evenings spent sitting by a fire. For others, including many Massachusetts seniors, it means shoveling heavy wet snow, being wary when walking outdoors for fear of slipping on ice, and struggling to pay for increased fuel costs to stay warm.

There’s been a lot of talk about Social Security, but one thing that hasn’t come up in the conversation is the vital role it plays as an engine of the U.S. economy.

I see the power of the volunteer firsthand. AARP volunteers work every day to help people 50+ turn dreams into real possibilities, to strengthen communities and to fight for issues that matter to families.

We were back at the State House this afternoon, delivering testimony in support of annual adjustment to the personal needs allowance for Medicaid-eligible nursing home residents. A personal needs allowance helps cover basic expenses such as personal hygiene supplies and phone calls. Read the AARP Testimony 6-18-13

The following testimony was delivered today in opposition to adding a photo identification requirement on SNAP cards:

The early days of June are always a wonderfully vibrant time in Boston. It’s when we celebrate PRIDE week. AARP staff and volunteers proudly participate in the annual festival, providing resources and information to older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) residents.

Bay State voters head to the polls next month — this time to fill the seat vacated by Sen. John Kerry following his appointment to secretary of state. As yet another election season heats up, the stakes are higher than ever for older Bay State residents and their families. Once again, our votes could determine the future of Medicare and Social Security.

This is not fiction: A 101-year-old Massachusetts senior with a serious heart condition has the ability to live independently in his home, with the help of his daughter, but may be forced into a nursing home because he cannot get the home care services he needs. He is currently on a waiting list — for home care.