Kirk Applauds Passage of Legislation that Invests in Illinois Seniors

Older Americans Act Provides Home and Community-Based Services for Aging Community Nationwide; Legislation Included Kirk-Authored Language to Help Holocaust Survivors Access Necessary Services

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today released the following statement after the Senate unanimously passed the Older Americans Act (OAA) legislation that provides home and community-based services for the aging community throughout the United States, including home-delivered meals, in-home services, and transportation. The legislation is now headed to President Obama’s desk for signature.

“500,000 Illinois seniors are helped every year by the services provided by the Older Americans Act, including access to healthy meals and preventative screenings,” Senator Kirk said. “This legislation also prioritizes Holocaust survivors so that they have access to critical health care and nutritional services without having to depend on assisted living facilities. By reauthorizing this program, Illinois seniors are given the resources and tools they need to live healthier, fuller lives. ”

OAA included Kirk-authored language to help Holocaust survivors access services they need, such as health care and nutritional services, without having to live in a nursing home or assisted living facility. The language adds survivors to the list of groups that receive priority for social services through OAA.

OAA was first signed into law in 1965. In Illinois, the program has provided over 6.8 million home delivered meals and thousands of health and disease prevention services to seniors. Reauthorization of this legislation includes support for new multipurpose senior centers and improvements to nutrition services.

Source: U.S. Senator Mark Kirk