Advocacy

Texas ranks 35 th when it comes to meeting the long-term care needs of older residents and people with disabilities, and AARP warns more must be done, at an accelerated pace, to meet changing demographic demands. Specific areas of concern in Texas include the percent of high-risk nursing home residents with pressure sores, as well as the percent of nursing home residents who are inappropriately receiving an antipsychotic medication. 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.

With nearly half of all deaths in Texas related to COVID-19 occurring among nursing home residents and staff, advocates at AARP Texas are encouraging those with loved ones in long-term care facilities to check regularly on the loved ones’ health and wellbeing.

Inflation and food insecurity are impacting many older Texans, but there are assistance programs, such as SNAP, available to help.

The new Statewide Interagency Aging Services Coordinating Council has started work on a five-year plan to meet the needs of a rapidly aging population.

A Statewide Interagency Aging Services Coordinating Council will meet quarterly to ensure that public agencies in Texas providing services to older adults communicate and collaborate.

** High-Priority Nursing Home Quality Legislation Approved **

AARP Texas and KSAT hosted a recent conversation about the future of Social Security. Starting 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, watch a 30-minute segment from the event.

AARP Texas fought hard this legislative session on issues important to older Texans and their families, and lawmakers listened. From prescription drug affordability and funding for adult protective services to high-speed internet access, and much more, we achieved several victories for Texans age 50-plus.

The 2019 session of the Texas Legislature resulted in passage of bills that AARP Texas is calling on Governor Greg Abbott to sign into law to improve the wellbeing of older Texans and other consumers.

As the 2021 Texas legislative session nears its finish, AARP Texas applauds state lawmakers who championed meaningful bills that seek to increase consumer protection, improve healthcare and promote financial resilience.