Political Quotes

“today I wish to ask my Senate colleagues to join me in designating the week of September 12, 2016, as National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. Direct support professionals--also known as DSPs--provide an invaluable service by caring for the most vulnerable among us, including seniors, people living with disabilities, and the chronically ill. Through the efforts of this essential health care workforce, these individuals are able to live, work, and fully participate in their communities. As our population continues to grow and age, the demand for DSPs and other home- and community-based services will increase commensurately to address evolving health care needs. Studies show that approximately 12 million Americans currently need long-term services and supports LTSS, and about half of these individuals are over the age of 65. It is reasonable to expect that about one-half of seniors 65 years and older will develop a serious disability which requires LTSS. Although many will require care for an average of 2 years, one in seven seniors is expected to have care needs lasting for 5 years or more. During this time, most individuals prefer to be cared for in the comfort of their own homes, with the assistance of family caregivers and a multidisciplinary health care team.…”