WASHINGTON—AARP released the following statement from Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer in response to the introduction of the Better Care Better Jobs Act, a bill to provide up to $400 billion for home and community-based services:

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 184,000 Americans died in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities – more deaths than in any other setting. Our fractured and outdated long-term care system is a national disgrace. The introduction of the Better Care Better Jobs Act is an important first step toward action that is long overdue. The vast majority of older Americans say they want to age at home. We must make investments in home and community services so older Americans are able to choose how they live as they age.

“AARP has led the effort to increase availability of these services in states all across the country as part of our ongoing work supporting older Americans and family caregivers. In addition to drastically expanding access to home and community-based care under Medicaid and supporting and expanding the direct care workforce, AARP strongly supports the bipartisan Credit for Caring Act, which would give some relief to eligible family caregivers who face very high costs of caring for their loved ones. We also support paid leave policies that give caregivers the workplace flexibility they need to care for their families. All of these policies are essential if we want to build a humane, sustainable system of care that works for every American family.”

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.