Good Afternoon,

 

Lance Robertson was confirmed today as Assistant Secretary on Aging and  Administrator of the ACL.  Here is his 2-page statement yesterday at the nomination hearing https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Robertson1.pdf, which includes the 4 priorities listed below.

 

As Assistant Secretary, my vision would involve a four-pronged, overarching strategy that positively impacts all populations.

 

1. The first strategy is to improve access to information about long term services and supports that are available both with publicly-funded and private-sector resources. Many Americans are unsure where to turn when confronted with an illness, disability, service need, or when they stumble into the role of a caregiver.

 

2. The next strategy focuses on supporting caregivers. The informal caregiver and the service he or she provides is the epicenter of the long-term services and supports system. Our nation must recognize how critically important it is that we help the 44 million unpaid family caregivers whose work to the care system is estimated at 470 billion dollars a year. Under my leadership we will continue to bolster respite vouchers, promote evidence-based solutions, and build support systems that work. We will continue to seek ways to meet caregivers where they are and equip them with the tools needed to be successful in their roles.

 

3. The third strategy is dedicated to strengthening elder justice. Far too many older adults are exploited and abused, and we must continue to aggressively fight this growing epidemic. Strong momentum can be seen, however, through the work of the multi-agency Elder Justice Coordinating Committee, the recent release of innovation grants funded through ACL, and the new bipartisan Congressional caucus focused on this issue.

 

4. The final strategy is increasing our network’s business acumen. Non-profit aging and disability community-based organizations work hard every day to feed, support, transport and assist individuals. These organizations are the backbone of our effort to promote independence, well-being and quality of life for older adults and people living with disabilities.

 

 

In addition, his statement includes this paragraph about the important role of ACL programs for serving their communities.

 

“Never does a day go by that I’m not impressed with the resiliency of those we serve. In most cases, particularly through programs offered by ACL, these individuals just need a little help – a meal, assistance with employment, transportation to the doctor, a referral to a community organization, a bit of respite, etc. We help by supporting the least expensive and preferred home and community-based care where it is desired. I believe whole-heartedly in our work to offer choices, empower people, and support families across the care spectrum. We help Americans live healthy, productive and independent lives in their community. Our work is vital.”

 

I am sure we are all looking forward to working with Administrator Robertson.

 

Leslie

 

Leslie Fried, JD

Senior Director, Center for Benefits Access

Office: 571.527.3992

xxxxxx@ncoa.org

 

National Council on Aging

Improving the lives of millions of older adults

251 18th Street South, Suite 500

Arlington, VA 22202

ncoa.org | @NCOAging

 

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