Advocacy

AARP Wisconsin is urging state lawmakers to introduce a bill in 2017 that could help more private-sector workers save for retirement. The Work and Save bill would create a simple payroll-deduction plan that small businesses could offer to their workers.

By Larry Sussman

We know for a fact that most aging Wisconsinites, like all Americans, want to remain living in their homes and communities as long as possible. Even if they require day-to-day assistance with services such as meal preparation, bathing or transportation around town, they would rather get the help they need at home than move into a nursing home.

We are pleased that the State of Wisconsin withdrew its proposal by the Department of Health Services’ (DHS) to overhaul Family Care – the popular and cost-effective Wisconsin program that gives frail elderly and people with disabilities the opportunity to receive long-term care services in their homes and communities rather than in costly institutions.

Over the past several months, dozens of groups and organizations involved in Wisconsin’s long term care programs (including AARP Wisconsin ) collaborated to create a 40-page blueprint for redesigning the system to ensure that quality, independence, and local control remain a focus of the state’s long term care decision-making process.

Good news! The Wisconsin State Legislature has taken a small first step towards helping people save for retirement.

If you or someone you know is struggling to provide care for a loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia – take heart.

Nearly four dozen AARP Wisconsin volunteer advocates will be meeting face to face with state legislators at the State Capitol this week to stress the importance of three critical issues – supporting family caregivers, helping workers save for retirement, and preserving telephone landlines across Wisconsin.

In today’s world it’s hard enough to save for retirement and plan for your future.

The real heroes across Wisconsin are not making headlines for athletic achievements or political accomplishments. They’re family members who work behind the scenes to provide uncompensated in-home care for loved ones.