Heidi Alexander: “recently the Senate marked a significant achievement--the final passage of the bipartisan reauthorization of the Older…”

“recently the Senate marked a significant achievement--the final passage of the bipartisan reauthorization of the Older Americans Act--and now the President has signed it into law. This act provides seniors access to home-delivered meals, like Meals on Wheels; seniors centers; transportation, like rides to the senior center and the grocery store; and meals served at senior centers and churches. Other services include caregiver support, preventive health services, job training and support, elder abuse prevention, and the long-term care ombudsman. In 2012, Tennessee served 2.4 million meals to seniors through Older Americans Act programs. This reauthorization also will make a few important improvements. One, it will provide States, area agencies on aging, and service providers with information and technical assistance in collaboration with relevant Federal agencies, on providing efficient, person-centered transportation services, including across geographic boundaries. That means that when a senior who lives Kentucky and wants to come see her doctor just over the border in Tennessee, it is easier for her to get that ride. Two, this bill addresses the tragic issue of elder abuse with provisions for the prevention of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It bolsters services that address elder justice and exploitation of older individuals, including financial exploitation, which can be devastating to a senior's ability to stay independent and in his own home.…”