On August 9, 2023, APA Services sent comments to the Administration for Community Living (ACL) (PDF, 231KB)opens in new window under the Department of Health and Human Services in response to the agency’s propose rule on recommended changes to regulations for programs under the Older Americans Act (OAA). These proposed changes are aimed at keeping OAA regulations in line with the changing needs of older adults. APA Services wishes to thank APA’s Committee on Aging for their input and expertise on these comments.
The association’s comments began by emphasizing the importance of addressing social isolation and loneliness and including them in the definition of greatest social need as the ACL has proposed. The comments explained that the scientific evidence shows that social isolation and loneliness negatively impact individuals and are linked to poor health and depression.
The comments also underscored support for the proposed rule’s addition of partners, friends, and neighbors caring for an older adult in the definition of family caregiving. Given the challenges of caregiving, it is better to expand the help to outside the immediate family than to limit what is considered family caregiving. Raising awareness of the impacts of mental health and trauma experienced by caregivers is also important.
Finally, the comment letter addressed the importance of access to mental health care for older Americans during times of emergencies. APA Services fully supports the proposed rule’s recommendation to expand services during times of emergencies.
For more information, contact Serena Dávila.
