Advocates

The Spring 2018 issue of Generations, the quarterly journal of the American Society on Aging, is divided into three main parts. These three sections are building community partnerships, building business practices, and examples of successful CBO use of business acumen. This issue also has a special focus on how the social determinants of health influence the experience of older adults in the community.

This guide is designed to provide elder law attorneys with a better understanding of the HCBS Settings Rule and how they can advocate for a strong, effective system that achieves the spirit and intent of the rule. The guide includes an overview of the rule, a process for states to comply with the HCBS Rule, opportunities for advocacy to promote your clients' best interests, and a review of special issues including dementia care and evictions.

The I&R Support Center holds a call or webinar on a monthly basis with I&R Specialists concerning topics of interest to those who work in the field of aging and disability I&R/A. Notes, PowerPoint presentations, and an audio recording from each call can be found here.

Presentations from the 2014 National Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Conference.

Presentations from the 2015 National Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Conference.

Presentations from the 2016 National Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Conference.

While faced with new challenges, reduced budgets, and growing populations requiring more services, states are stronger than ever, and the work they do is more effective than ever in reaching individuals and addressing their needs. The National Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Conference 2017 highlights these achievements, allowing states to share best practices, present unique partnerships, and recognize the work of their peers.

A national survey of Area Agencies on Aging is conducted every two to three years. The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) has released their 2017 survey report. They surveyed 622 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), with 412 completing the survey, to discover what services they commonly offer, how AAAs address funding, and what their policy priorities are.

AARP has released an update from their Public Policy Livable Communities division, which explains that communities need to encourage more accessible homes for older adults and their families by requiring that single family homes meet visitability requirements with features such as having an entrance without steps, kitchen counters set at multiple heights, and half-bathrooms at the ground level.

The Community Living Policy Center reviewed the effects of the Better care Reconciliation Act (BCRA) should it pass. Upon review, they conclude that had it been implemented in the mid-2000s then it would have reduced Federal reimbursments becuase of the proposed caps.