WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, AARP Executive Vice President, Nancy LeaMond, released the following statement following the Department of Labor’s announcement of new rules improving wage protections for home care workers:

“AARP has long advocated for increasing access to home and community-based services for older adults and persons with disabilities. We know that people want the choice to stay in their home and community as they age, and home care workers play a critical role in making that possible. To age in place and live independently, older Americans and persons with disabilities need more than companionship. Today’s home care workers assist with activities ranging from eating, bathing and dressing to shopping, meal preparation and transportation.

“Given the aging population, the need for these services will only continue to grow. A recent report from AARP’s Public Policy Institute highlighted the rapidly declining ratio of family caregivers to those needing care in the coming decades. While family caregivers are the backbone of our long-term services and supports system today, the availability of family caregivers will shrink dramatically in the future, meaning an increased need and demand for paid home care workers. We need to find solutions to ensure people are able to get the care they need. This rule is one piece of that.

“We believe that improving minimum wage and overtime protections for most home care workers will help recruit and retain a sufficient home care workforce for the future.

“In our earlier comments, AARP focused on the impact the rules would have on individuals who need services and family caregivers, and we raised some concerns that needed to be addressed. As we review the final rule and its implementation, AARP’s primary focus will be whether and how the rule works for individuals and families. We are committed to making sure they have the information and resources necessary for their loved ones to get the care they need and deserve.”

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 Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. 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 atwww.aarp.org.

CONTACT:

Nancy Thompson or Allyson Funk

202-434-2560 | @AARPMedia | media@aarp.org