Senator Rick Scott, chair of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand will lead a hearing on November 5 focused on the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). The session, titled “Renewing Our Commitment: How Older Americans Elevate Families Living with Aging-Related Diseases,” will examine the OAA’s role in supporting individuals and families affected by neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
According to committee information, witnesses will discuss how programs funded by the OAA provide critical services—including nutrition assistance, in-home care, respite support, transportation, and community engagement—to help millions of older adults maintain dignity and independence. The hearing aims to highlight the importance of continuing these services through timely reauthorization of the law.
Scheduled witnesses include Erick Montealegre, a family caregiver from Broward County, Florida; Stephen Sappington, a Parkinson’s advocate from Harford County, Maryland; and Duana Patton, President and CEO of USAging and Area Agency on Aging District 5 in Ontario, Ohio.
The hearing is set for Wednesday, November 5 at 3:30 p.m. in room SH-216 of the Hart Senate Office Building. A live stream will be available online.
"The hearing will underscore the urgent need to reauthorize the OAA to continue these vital support programs for families and caregivers across America," according to organizers.
