Chairman Rick Scott and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging will lead a hearing on November 5 focused on reauthorizing the Older Americans Act (OAA) and supporting families affected by aging-related diseases. The session, titled “Renewing Our Commitment: How the Older Americans Act Uplifts Families Living with Aging-Related Diseases,” will address the OAA’s role in providing support for people living with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
According to committee organizers, witnesses will discuss how programs funded by the OAA deliver services that help millions of older adults maintain dignity and independence. These services include nutrition assistance, home care, respite for caregivers, transportation, and opportunities for community engagement.
The hearing is scheduled to take place at 3:30 PM in room SH-216 of the Hart Senate Office Building. It will feature testimony from Erick Montealegre, a family caregiver from Broward County, Florida; Stephen Sappington, a Parkinson’s advocate from Harford County, Maryland; and Duana Patton, President & CEO of USAging and leader of Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging in Ontario, Ohio.
A live broadcast of the proceedings will be available online.
“This hearing will highlight the critical role the Older Americans Act (OAA) plays in supporting Americans living with neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and their families. Witnesses will discuss how OAA-funded programs provide essential services that help millions of Americans live with dignity and independence, from nutrition and home care to respite, transportation, and community engagement. The committee’s hearing will also underscore the urgent need to reauthorize the OAA to continue these vital support programs for families and caregivers across America.”
