Essay Sample on Impact of OAA & Raise Family Caregivers Act on U.S. Elderly Population

Introduction

The Older Americans Act (OAA) and Raise Family Caregivers Act have significantly impacted the needs of the elderly population in the U.S. Various events, however, have set the stage for the two Acts. For example, the socio-economic events that have shaped the expanded role that the OAA and Raise Family Caregivers Act cover, include the demographic factors of the aging population in the U.S. Specifically, the increased lifespan for the aging population, together with poor economic conditions for this population has influenced the federal government in expanding its mandate to the Americans such as provision of medical care to meet their needs (Bangerter, Fadel, Riffin, & Splaine, 2019). The poor economic conditions and lack of social support for the aging population influenced the congress to pass the two Acts to reduce the emotional, physical, and financial burdens on their families through availing the resources needed to care for the elderly by caregivers. Therefore, these acts have influenced the government to fund activities that enable the elderly to live independent lives and reduce the burden on their families.

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Effectiveness of Previous and Existing Human Services Legislation

Previously, the OAA was not as extensive as it is today. It was originally enacted in 1965, but its programs were not comprehensive and effective as at present (Bangerter et al., 2019). The Family Caregivers Act, on the other hand, has supplemented the role of the OAA and increased support for the aging population. The legislations are more effective since they receive support from the federal state and organizations such as the Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) that funds the activities of volunteers and families that care for dependent older adults (Bangerter et al., 2017). The present versions of the two legislations are more effective since they are comprehensive and well-funded to meet the needs of the elderly. For instance, the funding for the OAA increased from $145,586,000 in 2013 to 181,186,000 in 2019, making it possible for more caregivers to be supported in their activities to enable older adults to live better lives. It has also modernized the OAA to serve the needs of older adults better (Bangerter et al., 2019). Additionally, the funding has also been expanded to meet the needs of more than 43 million older Americans, thus, increasing its effectiveness in helping meet the need of the elderly in the U.S.

Previous and Existing Policies in Addressing the Human Services Challenge

The previous and existing legislations address the human services challenges in terms of easing the burden that families have in caring for elderly patients that needs financial, social and economic support in their old age (Bangerter, et al., 2017). The legislations offers financial support to their families and caregivers to assist them in preparing meals, handling finances, managing medications, taking them to attend doctors' appointments, and assisting them in performing complicated medical tasks (Chen, 2016). The provisions of the legislation have, therefore, been effective in supporting human services that older adults need in the U.S.

The present versions of the two Acts have been effective in ensuring that older adults have financial security, receive family-centered care, have respite care options, and access to information that makes their lives better and interesting (Bangerter, et., 2017). For instance, the effectiveness of the program has been seen through the involvement of employed family caregivers are given 55% of their average weekly wage, when they offer caregiving services to the elderly during their annual leave (Bangerter et al., 2017). Therefore, this means that caregivers are motivated to offer better services to the elderly, which ultimately improves their lives.

The Urgency of Addressing the Social Issue in the Legislation

It is urgent to address the needs of the elderly since some of them live with children under 18 years who depend on them (Bangerter et al., 2017). The aging population is rapidly expanding in the U.S, and the majority are unstable financially and almost unable to meet their needs. Some of them are disabled and thus increase dependency on others to live a good life (Chen, 2016).

Besides, since there has been a shift from assistance in long-term care institutions to community-based service for the elderly, these legislations are essential to support caregivers who are ready to assist them to live better lives. The only weakness in the two legislations is that the budget for the present needs of the elderly. Therefore, this may strain the resources required to address the needs of the increasing baby boomer population in the future.

References

Bangerter, L., R., Fadel, M., Riffin, C., & Splaine, M. (2019). The Older Americans Act and Family Caregiving: Perspectives from Federal and State Levels. Public Policy & Aging Report, 29 (2), 62-66. doi:10.1093/ppar/prz00.

Bangerter, L.R., Griffin, J.M., Zarit, S. H., & Havyer, R. (2017). Measuring the needs of family caregivers of people with dementia: an assessment of current methodological strategies and key recommendations. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 4 (34), 34-89. doi: 10.1177/0733464817705959.

Chen, M., L. (2016). The growing costs and burden of family caregiving of older adults: a review of paid sick leave and family leave policies. The Gerontologist, 56, 391-396. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnu093