AARP Urges Congress to Help Veterans Age in Place

En español | AARP is backing legislation that would help veterans age at home and provide support for the estimated 5.5 million veteran and military caregivers across the country.

On Aug. 25, we wrote to members of the House and Senate committees on Veterans’ Affairs to endorse the bipartisan Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act. The bill would expand access to current Department of Veterans Affairs programs that provide home care to veterans, among other provisions.

It would also:

• Create a centralized website to help families and veterans find information on available programs.
• Increase access to respite care so unpaid caregivers can take a temporary break from their caregiving responsibilities. 
• Improve coordination between VA and Medicare programs offering home- and community-based supports and services.

“After their service, hard work and contributions to our society, America’s veterans deserve to live with independence, security and dignity,” wrote Bill Sweeney, AARP senior vice president for government affairs. An AARP survey found that 3 in 4 people 50 and older want to stay in their current home as they age, we noted in the letter.

The endorsement is the latest in a series of AARP efforts to support military veterans and their loved ones. This year, we backed federal legislation that would expand assisted living care for veterans. And our Veterans Resources hub helps veterans navigate military health benefits, find jobs, stay safe from fraud and more.

Read our endorsement letter and learn more about AARP’s resources for military caregivers.