STATEMENT BY
JOSEFINA G. CARBONELL

Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006

The Older Americans Act (OAA) embodies our nation’s commitment to ensure the dignity and independence of our older citizens by promoting older Americans’ full participation in society, and supporting their overwhelming desire to remain living in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. The 2006 amendments to the OAA strengthened this commitment by providing flexibility to States to customize programs to meet the needs of their citizens, and simplifying implementation requirements.  Specific provisions include but aren’t limited to:

• Enhanced Federal, State, and local coordination of long-term care services provided in home and community-based settings;
   
• Support for State and community planning to address the long-term care needs of the baby boom generation;
   
• Greater focus on prevention and treatment of mental disorders;
   
• Outreach and service to a broader universe of family caregivers under the National Family Caregiver Support Program;
   
• Increased focus on civic engagement and volunteerism; and
   
• Enhanced coordination of programs that protect elders from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The 2006 Amendments also affirm the Administration’s commitment to health promotion and disease prevention, value and ownership. The OAA now embeds the principles of the Administration’s Choices for Independence initiative. The Amendments modernize community-based long-term care systems to empower consumers to manage their own care and make choices that will allow them to avoid institutional care and live healthy lives in the community.