Enabling older Iowans to live with maximum possible dignity, well-being, and independence.

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Legislative Watch

Siouxland Aging Services actively works to advocate for a comprehensive system of home and community based services to enable Siouxland’s older citizens live with maximum dignity, well-being and independence. The focus of our advocacy efforts is to gather information and educate seniors, their families, caregivers, and elected officials about the needs of older Iowans in Siouxland.

Iowa State Legislators will have much to do and consider during this year’s session. There will be many difficult decisions with the budget considerations. Many cuts are expected, resulting in reduced funding for many programs including senior services. This will especially be difficult for seniors receive home and community based services, services that keep them where they want to be – in their own homes.  Currently, home and community based services are funded by the Senior Living Trust that will be depleted by the end of this fiscal year.

Some of the home and community based services that are provided from these funds include transportation, home care, emergency response systems (lifeline), and more.  Iowa’s long-term care system is over-reliant on institutional-based care. Our institutional bias impacts older Iowans, people with disabilities, family caregivers, home and community-based service providers, AND our state resources. We must adequately fund services that help seniors and people with disabilities who are at risk for institutional placement to remain in their own homes longer, and live as independently as possible.

• A Thomson Reuters report presented to the Iowa Elder Affairs Commission February 2, 2009 reported that approximately 9,700 individuals would not be in a nursing facility if Iowa’s utilization was the same as the national average and approximately 5,800 individuals would not be in a nursing facility if Iowa’s utilization was the average of the six neighboring states.
• 79% of Iowa AARP members say that it is very important to them to be able to stay at home as long as possible if they, or a family member, need long-term care.
• Iowa spends 2/3 of its Medicaid resources on institutional care.   Iowa has more nursing home beds per 1,000 residents over the age of 65 than any other state in the U.S.
• The monthly cost for Iowans receiving supports under the Medicaid Elderly Waiver averages $503, compared to $2,687 in monthly Medicaid costs for nursing home care.
• On average, Medicaid dollars can support nearly three older people and adults with physical disabilities in home and community-based services (HCBS) for every person in a nursing home.

If you are someone who receives services through Siouxland Aging Services that enable you to remain in your home or if you know someone who is dependent upon these services, it is important that you contact your legislators. Tell him/her that you want to stay in your home with the funding and services that make it possible to make ends meet.

I4A’s Advocacy Day in Des Moines

February 18, 2009

Siouxland seniors will be joining others from around the state at the State Capitol in Des Moines for I4A’s (Iowa’s Association of Area Agencies on Aging) Advocacy Day. Whether you are comfortable speaking to senators or would just like to listen in on committee meetings, your presence makes the statement to area legislators. Show your concern about and speak to the issues that affect seniors and the communities in which we live. Make it known that adequate funding is vital for senior services.  If you are interested in attending, please contact Chris at Siouxland Aging Services for more information and transportation details.