Aging in Place: New Proposal Could Make In-Home Care More Affordable for Seniors

As the nation’s senior population grows, a key question is gaining traction in policy circles: how can older Americans age with dignity, preferably in their own homes? According to a recent report by Independent Women, nearly nine in 10 Americans over 50 express a desire to remain in their own homes as they age, yet many face significant barriers to doing so.

The report, titled “Flourishing Families: An Agenda to Help Families Thrive,” highlights that while aging at home isn’t right for everyone, public policy should make it a viable option for those who can safely do so. Many seniors don’t require skilled nursing care but need help with daily tasks like meal preparation, transportation, light housekeeping, and getting to medical appointments. Unfortunately, these types of support services are often limited, leaving families with few choices beyond costly institutional care.

A Step Forward: Rescinding the Home Care Rule

Progress is already underway, according to the report. The Department of Labor has proposed a rule to rescind the 2013 Home Care Rule, which could reduce unnecessary barriers and lower the cost of companionship-based in-home care. This move is seen as a positive step toward giving families more flexibility to care for aging loved ones at home.

However, the report argues that removing barriers alone won’t fully solve the problem. It points to a more comprehensive solution: the American Caregivers Act, model legislation based on a concept first proposed by Independent Women in 2024.

The American Caregivers Act: A New Approach

The American Caregivers Act builds on the successful structure of the au pair program, which has operated for decades. Under this legislation, qualified sponsoring organizations would recruit, screen, train, match, and oversee college and university students who provide companionship and non-medical assistance to older Americans. Participating households would cover the program’s costs, making it budget-neutral and avoiding taxpayer subsidies.

This approach aims to expand the supply of vetted caregivers, giving families a lawful, transparent alternative to informal care arrangements. Greater availability of such caregivers could also help some families delay or avoid nursing home care, which often costs over $100,000 annually, when that level of care isn’t necessary.

Complementary Policies: Tech and Housing

The report also suggests other policies to support seniors’ independence. Emerging technologies like ridesharing and autonomous vehicles could preserve mobility, reduce isolation, and keep seniors connected to their communities. Housing reforms that let homeowners build accessory dwelling units (ADUs)—like converting basements or in-law suites into apartments—could facilitate multigenerational living or provide spaces for caregivers.

Ultimately, the report’s authors argue that strong families are built by people who know and love them best, not by the government. Public policy should expand families’ choices, making it easier for more older Americans to remain safely at home for as long as possible.

Finalizing the rescission of the 2013 Home Care Rule, advancing the American Caregivers Act, and pursuing complementary reforms would help move policy in that direction. As Heather Madden, vice president for policy initiatives at Independent Women, puts it, helping older Americans remain at home isn’t just good elder care policy—it’s good family policy.

Source: www.dailywire.com — https://www.dailywire.com/news/how-policy-can-help-older-americans-age-with-dignity