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Bill to Help Veterans Age in Place Passes U.S. House

AARP backs efforts to expand care options and caregiver resources


spinner image a caregiver holds an umbrella over a man using walker as they exit a house
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A comprehensive bill to help veterans age successfully in their own homes and communities and support family members who care for them passed the U.S. House Monday. The bipartisan bill now heads to the U.S. Senate.

AARP wrote to federal lawmakers, ahead of the House vote on Monday, urging the swift passage of certain parts of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which was introduced into Congress in May. We also wrote to lawmakers in May, showing our support for the provisions of the bill that would:

  • Expand in-home care for older veterans with disabilities
  • Allow some veterans to receive assisted living services under a pilot program
  • Create an online resource hub for caregivers of veterans
  • Bolster caregiver respite and mental health support

These sections of the bill are based on legislation AARP has previously endorsed, including the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, the Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act and the Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement (COPE) Act.

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“After dedicating their lives in service to our country, America's veterans deserve the opportunity to live with independence, security, and dignity,” wrote Bill Sweeney, AARP senior vice president for government affairs, in our letter.

He noted that most people 50 and older wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible as they age. “To realize this aspiration, Congress must champion initiatives that empower veterans to live independently at home while supporting their family caregivers, who provide billions of dollars annually in unpaid services,” Sweeney added.

AARP has spearheaded numerous efforts to support veterans and their caregivers in recent years. Our Veterans Resources Hub empowers veterans, active duty and military families by providing information about VA benefits, caregiving, fraud, and more. We have a free digital tool to help veterans and family members navigate health benefits, including help available through the PACT Act for veterans exposed to toxins. There's also a guide to benefits for veterans who want to modify their homes so they can remain independent, a military caregiving guide, plus more.  

Read out recent letter and our May letter to lawmakers. Learn more about AARP benefits and resources for veterans.

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