D.C. advocates rally for elder care

Elder care advocates rallied in Washington Nov. 17, uniting to help ensure services are not cut for older
Americans.
Led by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, a long-time senior advocate, congressional advocates and others
were asked to stand together at 10 a.m. in the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
According to elderneglect.org, a bi-partisan “super committee” of federal lawmakers is currently
meeting to discuss ways to trim the federal deficit and is expected to release a plan to combine revenue
enhancements and program cuts to improve the nation’s financial outlook. Analysts are stating certain
options like cuts to Medicare and Medicaid would have a devastating effect on seniors and Americans
with disabilities, including financial assistance for nursing home care and assisted living facilities as well
as personalized home care that allows many older and disabled citizens to remain in their own homes.
The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-term Health Care states more than 70 percent of nursing
home residents depend on Medicaid to pay their costs which can range from $75,000 to $150,000. Cuts
in Medicaid could mean more seniors could unable to afford nursing home care, or fewer workers would
be available to provide quality care.