WHEREAS, it is imperative to implement policies that will best support the needs of Delaware’s rapidly growing population of senior citizens and their families; and
WHEREAS, the overwhelming majority of senior citizens, and 76% of Americans over age 50, report wanting to stay in their own homes for as long as possible; and
WHEREAS, aging-in-place promotes increased health and self-esteem in senior citizens, increased satisfaction from their families, and offers increased protection from highly infectious diseases like COVID-19; and
WHEREAS,
robust home and community-based services enable successful aging-in-place; and
WHEREAS,
in addition to home health care, home and community-based services provide aging Delawareans with critical supports, such as home-delivered food, transportation, and personal care services; and
WHEREAS,
home and community-based services are delivered by public, private, and nonprofit organizations across Delaware; and
WHEREAS,
the cost of in-home care and access to home and community-based support services present
significant barriers to the long-term viability of seniors aging-in-place; and
WHEREAS,
according to a 2019 survey from Genworth Financial on the cost of long-term care, the national average cost for a home health aide is $4,385 a month; and
WHEREAS, i
n addition to facilitating successful aging-in-place, robust home and community-based services have the potential to cut costs for individuals and the State; and
WHEREAS, s
eniors from racial and ethnic minority groups encounter additional barriers, including cultural bias, when accessing services, ensuring that services are culturally competent is critical; and
WHEREAS,
Delaware should seek to identify policy solutions that increase the equity, availability, and affordability of home and community-based services; and
WHEREAS,
Delaware should be proactive in building a strong statewide home and community-based service infrastructure to support its aging and diversifying population and should work to enable residents to remain in their homes and community as long as possible.
NOW THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 151
st
General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that an Aging-In-Place Working Group is established to
identify and develop policy recommendations to improve Delaware’s home and community-based services infrastructure with the goal of allowing aging Delawareans to remain in their own home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Working Group be composed of the following members:
(1) A Senator from the Majority Caucus, appointed by the President Pro Tempore, who shall serve as
Co-Chair.
(2) A Representative from the Majority Caucus, appointed by the Speaker of the House, who shall serve as Co-Chair.
(3) A Senator from the Minority Caucus, appointed by the President Pro Tempore.
(4) A Representative from the Minority Caucus, appointed by the Speaker of the House.
(5) A representative of the Department of Health & Social Services, representing the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities.
(6) A representative of the Department of Health & Social Services, representing the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance.
(7) A representative of the AARP, appointed by the Director of the AARP Delaware.
(8) A representative of the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter.
(9) A representative of the Delaware Aging Network.
(10) A representative of the Delaware Healthcare Association.
(11) A representative of the Delaware Association of Home and Community Care.
(12) Five members of the public, appointed by the Governor, representing the following categories: an adult social service provider; an adult care recipient; an adult caregiver; a senior center representative; and a representative of a federally qualified health center. Public appointees should include individuals from diverse backgrounds, and efforts should be made to appoint representatives from all three counties.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is to deliver recommendations on policies and implementation strategies to the General Assembly by March 30, 2022.
