In April 2008, the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing called "Caring for Our Seniors: How Can We Support Those on the Frontlines?"The hearing focused on issues related to family caregivers, workforce development and training for direct care workers and health care providers specialized in working with older adults.
Statement of Committee Member:
Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI), Chairman
Witness Testimony:
John Rowe, MD, Professor, Department of Health Policy and Management, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
Robyn Stone, DPH, Executive Director, Institute for the Future of Aging Services, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, Washington, DC
Martha Stewart, Founder, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia,New York, NY
Todd Semla, PharmD, President, American Geriatrics Society, Evanston, IL
Mary McDermott, Personal care worker and Board of Directors Member, Wisconsin Home Care Commission, Verona, WI
Sally Bowman, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Services, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
The conclusions of the hearings on our aging society indicates to me that we, as a nation have been in denial; we are failing to adequately provide security and comfort for the elderly members of our society.
ReplyDeleteWe are not ready with plans, manpower and funding for the increasing numbers of older Americans that will be needing care and assistance.
Without effective short and long term funding and goals, we will be facing a monumental crisis, although, personally, I believe we are at that critical juncture at this time.
Probate Courts and state courts responsible for Guardianship cases and Estate cases currently are lacking resources, manpower and adequate funding, to properly monitor, supervise and investigate current cases.
I am encouraged and discouraged by these hearings. The findings turn out to be what we already know --- a year goes by and another hearing is held, resulting in the same findings. Another year, another hearing, etc.
ReplyDeleteNo action -- just hearings.
Kinda like the Senate Aging Committee's hearings on guardianship abuse. Every time they have a hearing, they conclude there's a problem. Next hearing, same conclusion.
No action -- just hearings.