“AARP supports the federal Commission on Long-Term Care’s ongoing efforts to shape policy solutions for the nation’s long-term care crisis, which affects millions of people, including older Americans, persons with disabilities and their family caregivers. AARP believes the Commission’s work can and must be the beginning of an overdue national conversation on long-term services and supports – a conversation that is already happening around kitchen tables and in state houses across the country.

“The Commission has a little over a month to vote on recommendations and the three hearings to date highlight the importance of expanding consumer choice of quality care options, increasing access to home and community-based services that would allow more people to stay in their homes and communities, and bolstering support for family caregivers. As an AARP Public Policy Institute expert Lynn Feinberg reiterated at the second hearing, ‘Family caregivers are the cement holding America’s long-term services and supports infrastructure together.’ “

“Yesterday’s hearing – focused in part on Medicaid and Medicare – reiterated how important these programs are for those who rely on them. We must keep these programs strong as we continue to find solutions to the challenge of long-term care millions of Americans face every day and ways to help people age with dignity and control in their homes or a setting of their choice.

“AARP hopes the Commission will use the short time it has left to offer real guidance to Congress on addressing the many challenges surrounding long-term care. This is an opportunity to jump-start a national conversation that brings individuals, families, policymakers, businesses and other LTSS stakeholders together to pursue real change.”

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a bilingual news source.  AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

CONTACT:

Allyson Funk - AARP Media Relations

202-434-2560 | @allyfunk or @AARPmedia | media@aarp.org