Call-To-Action for Coalition Distribution

Call-to-Action for Coalition Distribution

November isNational Family Caregivers Month

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

The Older Americans Act is up for reauthorization, an opportunity for our coalition to help strengthen services for older adults and their caregivers in our community. In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, we are urging our coalition members and your constituents to contactSenators ______and ______officesto tell them that passing reauthorizationmust be a priority for Congress!

The Older Americans Act (OAA) is the legislation that funds critical services for older adults and their caregivers, including the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP). The NFCSP provides information and assistance to family caregivers, counseling and support, caregiver training and education, respite care, and limited supplemental services to compliment the care provided by family caregivers.

Unfortunately, Congress has been delaying action, pushing reauthorization further down the priority list. This inaction hurtsfamily caregivers and others who depend on the program’s services.

Let Your Voice be HeardToday!

IF YOU CALL ON THE PHONE:

-Urge the Senators to support the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2012, S. 3562, which contains important provisions to improve services for family caregivers.

-Tell them Older Americans Act reauthorization must be a Congressional priority, as tens of thousands of family caregivers depend on the program’s services.

-Tell them why this is important to you and how caregiving has had an impact in your life.

IF YOU SEND AN EMAIL (SAMPLE):

Dear Senator ______,

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, I am writing to urge you to support the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2012 (S. 3562). This bill contains many important provisions that would improve services for family caregivers, including access to caregiver assessment, the establishment of a National Resource Center on Family Caregiving, and clarification of the definition of family caregiver.

Congress has waited too long to reauthorize the Older Americans Act, to the detriment of the tens of thousands of family caregivers who depend on the program’s services. Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act must be a priority for Congress.

Family caregivers are the backbone of our nation’s long-term care system. As someone who cares deeply about the well-being of caregivers and their invaluable services to older adults and those with disabilities, I urge you to act now to support family caregivers.

Sincerely, (your name)

IF YOU WANT TO SPREAD THE WORD ON FACEBOOK:

In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, tell your Senators that family caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system and deserve their full support. Urge them to support the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2012 (S. 3562). Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act must be a Congressional priority!

To find your Senators, go to:

For more information on legislative priorities please go to clickhere