Legislative Concerns for Senior Citizens

The Greater Hampton Roads Coalition on Aging
Advances Policy Changes for Seniors

(Chesapeake, VA; August 1, 2005) The Greater Hampton Roads Coalition on Aging will hold its 9th Annual Legislative Event at the Holiday Inn Chesapeake, 725 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, on Thursday, October 6, 2005 at 8:00 a.m. Approximately 80 federal, state and local legislators as well as candidates have been invited in the past to attend.

Dramatic demographic changes coupled with the growing needs of area seniors has brought the leading six task forces on aging which include Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Norfolk, Virginia Beach and as of this year the Peninsula to join forces and form the Greater Hampton Roads Coalition on Aging. Since 1997, the Coalition has invited legislators annually to hear and discuss proposed legislative changes to improve the quality of life for the Hampton Roads area seniors.

The concerns endorsed by the Coalition and presented to the legislators for study, funding, and action include:

1. Development of new plans to retain and improve the working conditions and wages of Certified Nursing Assistants and propose change in the department of Health’s regulations. This change will combine CNA’s, Companions, Personal Care Aides and others, despite their qualifications, under one title of “Home Attendant”.

2. Increase the Auxiliary Grant payment for Assisted Living Care to $1,500.00 per month.

3. Initiate funding to improve transportation issues for the elderly and disabled by offering jitneys in neighborhoods for transportation to bus lines. Create subsidized vouchers for use in specific geographic areas that could be purchased from taxicabs. Private shopping malls could be encouraged to transport the elderly shoppers to their mall’s location.

The Coalition invites legislators, or their representatives, to participate in a panel discussion of the proposals. Members of the public will also be invited to comment on the proposals. This will be the first of a series of releases to inform the public of our legislators interest. As invitations go out and sponsorship comes in, this release will include a list of participating legislators and sponsors.

The South Hampton Roads mature adult population, those individuals age 62+, is estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau to be about 120,000. With the aging of the baby boomer generation, this number is projected to swell to more than 200,000 by the year 2010. Director of Programs for Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia and founder of the Coalition, Kathleen Blanchard said, “There are no more tomorrows for our elderly. The needs of our senior population are compelling and, if left unattended, will only escalate. We must address their problems, make them our own and take action now.”

If you would like to help by sponsoring such great event different levels of sponsorship are being offered. Contacting Christine Fleck at 222-5387. The cost to attend the event is $15 for persons age 60+ and $20 for all others. Reservations can be made by contacting Carlene Muncy at 222-4519.