We especially thank the N4A, its staff and all the AAA and Title VI members who were there time and again working to pass the Act on behalf of older Americans and families caring for their loved ones. Reauthorization of the OAA would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication over the last two years of the Leadership and Ranking Members and staff of the House Education and the Workforce and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committees who drafted the bipartisan, bicameral version of the bill that was ultimately passed. N4A also acknowledges the leadership and continuous support of Assistant Secretary Takamura and the Administration in bringing a bipartisan measure forward. There are currently some 13 million seniors who need assistance with eating, dressing, bathing and other activities of daily living. Nearly 22 million Americans provide unpaid care so their senior family members can remain at home.
Most family caregivers are women, many of whom work and have children at home.
In many of these cases it is the care provided by family members that allows their loved one to avoid unnecessary and more costly institutional care, saving taxpayers millions of dollars annually. Through its presence in Washington, D.C, N4A advocates on behalf of its member agencies for enhanced services and resources for seniors and persons with disabilities in local communities.