AFTD Ambassador Judy Bearer advocated for the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) in a December 8 opinion article published on the website Cleveland.com.

Ms. Bearer, who has been a social worker in mental health and long-term care environments for more than 30 years, said she thought she was “more prepared than most people” when her 70-year-old mother was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia. But, she said, “navigating care and making sure she was treated with the dignity and compassion she deserved was still a challenge.”

Ms. Bearer said she was lucky she could help her mother access most of the resources she needed because of the OAA.

The Importance of the OAA

The federal law “is a critical component of our social support infrastructure,” she said, “providing essential assistance for millions of older Americans, people with dementia, and their families.”

That assistance offsets the financial, emotional, and personal burdens that come with a dementia diagnosis, Ms. Bearer added.

The OAA provides funding for state and local organizations to “deliver in-home support services and promote healthy living” for seniors and persons with disabilities regardless of age. Supports can include meals, personal care, transportation, and legal assistance. Locally, individuals can access those services through Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ARDC).

Additionally, the OAA funds the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) through local Agencies on Aging (AAA), which provide caregivers with training, support groups and counseling, and respite care.

“The OAA is not a luxury; it is a fundamental commitment to caring for our elders and people who are sick or disabled,” said Ms. Bearer. “Every individual should have access to resources that help them stay connected and maintain their dignity and quality of life.”

“Congress must reauthorize the OAA,” she said. “Not just for my mother or our neighbors, but for every American who deserves to age with dignity – which means all of us.”

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The Older Americans Act will expire on December 31, 2024, unless Congress reauthorizes it. AFTD has a quick and simple way to tell legislators to reauthorize the Older Americans Act. Please take a moment to advocate for those with FTD and their care partners.