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1991.07.22 :  National Eldercare Campaign

Contact:  Katie Miller (202) 245-2760
July 22, 1991

        HHS Commissioner on Aging Joyce T. Berry, Ph.D., today
challenged local policymakers to place Eldercare on the national
agenda so that "vulnerable older people can remain independent
and live in their own homes as long as possible."  Her challenge
was given today in a speech to more than 600 participants in the
annual conference of the National Association of Area Agencies on
Aging in Washington, D.C. 
        "While most of today's older people are healthy, active,
contributing members of their communities, there are at least 10
million older persons who are at risk of losing their
independence," Berry said.  "Many of them are receiving the
assistance they need to remain self-sufficient.  But many are
not.  These are the people who face the prospect of unnecessary
or premature institutionalization.  The Administration on Aging
has launched the national Eldercare campaign for them."
        The national Eldercare campaign is a nationwide, multi-
year effort to expand support for aging issues to sectors of
society which have not traditionally been involved.  It promotes
both action for older people who are now at risk of losing their
independence and preparation for the impact of future growth in
the numbers of elderly people. 
        "Caring for the elderly begins with the older person,"
said Dr. Berry.  "When self-care is no longer possible, family,
friends and the network of aging organizations and service
agencies step in.  But, every community also needs to mobilize
its own talents--individually and collectively--to improve the
quality of life for older Americans.  Through the national
Eldercare campaign we hope to enlarge the spirit of caring
communities, of people helping their elderly family members,
friends and neighbors. 
        "The national Eldercare campaign should make all of us
aware of a critical need and spur us to immediate action.  I
personally invite all interested individuals to volunteer time
and effort to assist vulnerable older people in the community,
and I strongly encourage businesses as well as private and
voluntary organizations to commit their own resources and provide
leadership to Eldercare at local, state and national levels.
        "HHS Secretary Louis W. Sullivan, too, is committed to
the Eldercare campaign," said Berry.  "He has often expressed a
concern for older people as well as his belief that each of us
has a responsibility to do what we can to ensure that they can
remain at home, close to their families, friends and neighbors." 
        The Administration on Aging, an agency of the Department
of Health and Human Services, serves as a focal point within the
federal government for the needs and concerns of older people.

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