Urge Congress to Pass the Lifespan Respite Care Program Reauthorization Act (S. 4325) and the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act (S. 4776) in the Lame Duck Session

Give Thanks to Family Caregivers as we Celebrate Thanksgiving and Honor Family Caregivers by Taking Action During National Family Caregivers Month

During Thanksgiving week we give thanks to the nation’s family caregivers for serving as the linchpin for our long-term services and supports system. In addition to giving thanks, November is also National Family Caregivers Month – the perfect time to TAKE ACTION.

The National Respite Coalition is urging you to speak up on behalf of the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act (S. 4325) and the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act (S. 4776) Both are pending right now in the U.S. Senate. Immediate passage of these bills will ensure that the programs will continue through FY 2029.

Most notable in the Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act is that, for the first time in federal statute, caregiving youth will be recognized.

Next year brings much uncertainty regarding federal policy. Your strong collective voices NOW will help bring the bills to the Senate floor for a timely vote during the lame duck session.

When you contact your Representative and Senators, please share the Fact Sheet on Lifespan Respite Reauthorization, and the House and Senate letters signed by 37 national organizations expressing steadfast support for S. 4325 and for its swift passage and reconciliation with the House-passed bill. The Lifespan Respite Network, and the family caregivers they serve, are counting on you.

TAKE ACTION NOW!!

CONTACT your Senators TODAY and urge them to bring S. 4325 and S. 4776 to the floor of the Senate immediately for a vote.

Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for your Senator’s office. When connected ask for health or disability staff. If you don’t reach them, leave a message!

Message:

• Bring the bipartisan Senate Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act (S. 4325) and the Older American Act Reauthorization Act (S. 4776) to the Senate floor during the lame duck session and vote for final passage.

• The Lifespan Respite Care Program and the Older American Act provisions perfectly align with the goals of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, calling for a range of respite options and an emphasis on respite to allow family caregivers to obtain respite services that meet their unique needs.
• The Senate bill is the only version of the Lifespan Respite reauthorization bill that covers caregiving youth. Support for caregiving youth can allow them to remain in school, and to become healthy and productive adults.

Fact Sheet on the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act

House letter and Senate letter on the Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act signed by 37 national organizations expressing steadfast support for S 4325 and urging swift passage in the Senate and reconciliation with the House bill.

Please pick up the phone and call today.
Then circulate this alert to your networks and colleagues.