Legislation Document

SPONSOR:	Sen. Hoffner & Rep. Harris & Rep. Longhurst & Rep. Dorsey Walker
Sens. Hansen, Lockman, Mantzavinos, S. McBride, Pettyjohn, Pinkney, Poore, Sokola, Townsend; Reps. Hensley, Hilovsky, K. Johnson, Morrison, Michael Smith

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 54

PROCLAIMING MAY 11, 2023, AS “HOME CARE ADVOCACY DAY” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates 20% of Delaware’s population is already over the age of 65; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services projects that between 2015 and 2030 Delaware’s population will see an estimated 40% increase in the 60 and older population; and

WHEREAS, surveys from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) suggest that the vast majority of American seniors would like to age in their own homes and communities; and

WHEREAS, as individuals age, they are more likely to experience some form of physical disability, have difficulty completing activities of daily living, and require some form of memory care; and

WHEREAS, support in the home is essential for seniors to successfully age in place; and

WHEREAS, AARP estimates that 21% of American adults serve as volunteer caregivers for a loved one; and

WHEREAS, professional home care affords many seniors a cost-effective option for support services in the home and can also lessen the demands on family and volunteer caregivers; and

WHEREAS, a robust and capable workforce is vital to responding to the needs of Delaware’s rapidly aging population and to supporting the health and wellbeing of those who need and rely on direct care services; and

WHEREAS, according to the University of Delaware Center for Applied Demography & Survey Research, Delaware’s home care workforce is declining despite increased demand for home care services; and

WHEREAS, social and economic forces, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have irreversibly changed how our families live, work, and provide care; and

WHEREAS, the home care workforce requires public sector recognition, support, and investment in order to build a robust home care infrastructure in order to ensure that individuals receive the care necessary to allow them to live independent lives and age with dignity.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 152nd General Assembly, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that May 11, 2023, is recognized as “Home Care Advocacy Day” to recognize the critical importance of ensuring access to quality home care for Delaware’s aging residents.