NAELA Congratulates Urban Institute on Report on Solutions to America's Long-Term Services and Supports Crisis
Washington, DC (PRWEB) November 23, 2015 -- "The potentially catastrophic consequences of becoming disabled and needing long-term care is arguably the gravest financial risk that older adults face," said the authors of the Urban Institute's research report, "Microsimulation Analysis of Financing Options for Long-Term Services and Supports."
The report demonstrates how "policy changes could expand insurance's role in financing these needs." The report was funded by AARP, the SCAN Foundation, and LeadingAge.
"There is a growing crisis facing older adults in need of long-term services and support, people with disabilities, and their caregivers; a crisis caused by a system that forces people into poverty in order to receive the help they need," said National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) President Shirley Whitenack, Esq., CAP.
NAELA believes that any new long-term care system should:
• Offer consumers access to a broad array of support options, including a continuum of home and community-based supportive services and residential options.
• Promote independence and dignity across the broad continuum of care by ensuring beneficiaries the right to control and choose what services they receive, how and where they are delivered, and who provides them.
• Recognize that government, individuals, and the private sector have a shared responsibility.
• Provide a strong foundation of protection while providing opportunities for personal planning that include a role for private sector options (e.g., long-term care insurance).
• Support family caregivers and recognize and support the central role families and other informal caregivers play in planning for and providing long-term care.
• Ensure that any changes for future participants don’t penalize or leave behind those who need care now.
Learn more about NAELA's position on long-term care.
NAELA members can provide guidance to those in need of long-term care, helping them navigate the maze of regulations that are the hallmark of the current system.
To receive a free NAELA brochure: “Questions and Answers When Looking for an Elder and Special Needs Law Attorney,” contact Communications Associate Abby Matienzo by email [amatienzo(at)naela.org] or phone at 703-942-5711 #230.
Find an Elder and Special Needs Law attorney in your area using NAELA’s Member Directory.
About NAELA
Members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) are attorneys who are experienced and trained in working with the legal problems of aging Americans and individuals of all ages with disabilities. Established in 1987, NAELA is a non-profit association that assists lawyers, bar organizations and others. The mission of NAELA is to establish NAELA members as the premier providers of legal advocacy, guidance and services to enhance the lives of people with special needs and people as they age. NAELA currently has members across the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit NAELA.org.
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Abby Matienzo, Communications Associate, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, http://www.naela.org, +1 (703) 942-5711 Ext: 230, [email protected]
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