Home care has been included in the political platforms of both Democrats and Republicans, signaling a shared view of the importance of aging in place and home- and community-based options for seniors.
On the GOP side, the modernization of Medicaid and the prioritization of home care were emphasized.
“Because seniors overwhelmingly desire to age at home, we will make home care a priority in public policy,” the platform says. “We will champion the right of individual choice in senior care. We will aggressively implement programs to protect against elder abuse, and we will work to ensure that quality care is provided across the care continuum from home to nursing home to hospice.”
Across the aisle, the Democrats also mention Medicaid-funded home- and community-based services.
“No American should ever have to spend their golden years at the mercy of insurance companies. They should retire with the care and dignity they have earned,” said President Obama in his speech during the Democratic National Convention, held last week in North Carolina.
With the nation’s senior population and healthcare costs growing rapidly, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) applauded both parties for focusing on home health care.
“It is right for home care to be included in both platforms, not only because of the life saving work done daily at a fraction of the cost of institutions, but because this is a non-partisan issue that will have the most immediate impact on the future of America,” said Halamandaris.
Written by Alyssa Gerace
