Direct Care Workforce Provisions in New OAA Legislation

Posted on October 1, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

A bill to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA) would increase funding for programs that support older adults aging in place and includes provisions to help develop and expand the direct care workforce.  

The following programs and initiatives are included in The Dignity in Aging Act (H.R. 4334):

• An immediate 7% increase in FY 2020 spending and a 6% increase every year thereafter;
• Increased support for socially-isolated older Americans;
• Extended authorization for the RAISE Family Caregivers Act;
• Removal of the cap on resources for the National Family Caregiver Support Program;
• Incorporation of falls prevention and chronic disease self-management education programs into the OAA;
• An Interagency Coordinating Committee on Age-Friendly Community to promote safe and accessible independent living environments;
• Expanded supportive services for aging Native Americans.
• Direct care workforce demonstration project that focuses on training older workers to join the fastest-growing occupations, which include home health aides, personal care aides, and other direct care workers.

The House is advancing this bill through the committee process, but the Senate has yet to take action. Members should be on the lookout for action alerts as we ramp up our advocacy to ensure seniors who age at home have access to the nutrition, health and wellness services they need.