Priorities for the new Assistant Secretary on Aging and Administrator of the Administration for Community Living Lance Robertson

August 9, 2017

ACL's mission of maximizing "the independence, well-being, and health of older adults, people with disabilities across the lifespan, and their families and caregivers" is critical. ACL currently serves more than 140 million Americans and this population continues to grow.

Priorities for the new Assistant Secretary on Aging and Administrator of the Administration for Community Living Lance Robertson:

1. The first strategy is to improve access to information about long term services and supports that are available both with publicly-funded and private-sector resources. Many Americans are unsure where to turn when confronted with an illness, disability, service need, or when they stumble into the role of a caregiver.

2. The next strategy focuses on supporting caregivers. The informal caregiver and the service he or she provides is the epicenter of the long-term services and supports system. Our nation must recognize how critically important it is that we help the 44 million unpaid family caregivers whose work to the care system is estimated at 470 billion dollars a year. Under my leadership we will continue to bolster respite vouchers, promote evidence-based solutions, and build support systems that work. We will continue to seek ways to meet caregivers where they are and equip them with the tools needed to be successful in their roles.

3. The third strategy is dedicated to strengthening elder justice. Far too many older adults are exploited and abused, and we must continue to aggressively fight this growing epidemic. Strong momentum can be seen, however, through the work of the multi-agency Elder Justice Coordinating Committee, the recent release of innovation grants funded through ACL, and the new bipartisan Congressional caucus focused on this issue.

4. The final strategy is increasing our network's business acumen. Non-profit aging and disability community-based organizations work hard every day to feed, support, transport and assist individuals. These organizations are the backbone of our effort to promote independence, wellbeing and quality of life for older adults and people living with disabilities.