Unfortunately, options such as home and community services are often unaffordable and limited by many state Medicaid programs. While unpaid family caregivers allow millions of older people to live safely at home rather than in nursing homes, these family members and friends need more support.

Upcoming challenges

The population over 85, the people most likely to need help with daily activities, is expected to more than triple between 2015 and 2050, making the need even greater. of an effective long-term care system.

Seniors should have the opportunity to age where they want, and we know most want to stay in their homes and communities. For those living in residential settings, our elected officials must rethink institutional care to improve the safety and quality of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and to protect residents from illness, neglect and isolation.

At the same time, state and federal authorities must increase access to the home and community care that older adults prefer. They must also do more to support the 48 million unpaid family caregivers who enable their elderly parents, spouses and other loved ones to live in the community.

AARP Guiding Principles

When considering a candidate, keep AARP’s long-term care priorities in mind. AARP calls on Congress and state legislators to:

• Improve care in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities through adequate staffing, oversight, transparency, and access to ombudsmen.
• Expand access to home and community services that allow older people to live at home, reducing the need for costly taxpayer-funded nursing home care.
• Provide greater support for family caregivers to help keep seniors in their homes and communities.

Call to action

AARP fights for seniors who want to live independently at home or in the community and not be forced to live in nursing homes.

For more information: aarp.org/vote