George Sheehan, 80, of Red Bank, NJ, receives physical therapy through #Medicaid that helps him walk without a walker. It also covers adult day programs with wellness services, twice-weekly visits from a home health aide for medication monitoring and education, and transportation to medical appointments. “[The Medicaid program] is helping me to be a productive and independent person in the community.” As Budget Reconciliation negotiations continue, LeadingAge president and CEO Katie Smith Sloan urges #Congress to protect #Medicaid and the aging services infrastructure: “Medicaid isn’t just a safety net—it’s a lifeline for millions of older adults and their families.” #MedicaidMatters #ProtectMedicaid (fb)

Terminating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans, Haitians and workers from other countries puts legally authorized members of the aging services workforce at risk—at the same time that aging services providers nationwide face growing staffing shortages. At Toby & Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences in Boca Raton, Florida, 8% of the workforce could lose their ability to work legally under these changes. This includes staff in direct care, housekeeping, and maintenance roles. “They are employee of the month staff members, trusted companions to our residents and beloved parts of our extended family,” says Rachel Blumberg, President and CEO. “They’ve shared with me, often tearfully, what awaits them next.” LeadingAge is urging Department of Homeland Security to reverse course before more caregivers—and the older adults who depend on them—are put at risk. #Workforce #Immigration #Aging (fb)