Seeking State Support for Aging in Place

Henryk Sadura

AARP Wisconsin conveyed a message to legislators at budget hearings this spring: The state could save money and help more older people live at home by investing moderate amounts in services for the aging and support for family caregivers. The idea is to reduce reliance on more expensive programs, such as Medicaid-funded nursing home care.

AARP Wisconsin calls the potential savings the Silver Dividend. Far from being a liability, the state’s older population can benefit society—if lawmakers use the tax system wisely, AARP advocates say.

AARP supports expanding Medicaid and maintaining the Family Care and SeniorCare programs, which help people age in place and control prescription drug costs. Other goals include supportive services for unpaid caregivers and funding for dementia care specialists. For details, go to aarp.org/wi.