Senate Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Support Social and Nutrition Services for Nearly 12 Million Seniors

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, applauded today’s passage of the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2016, bipartisan legislation to support social and nutrition services – from home-delivered meals to senior centers – for nearly 12 million older Americans. Senator Collins is a cosponsor of this legislation.

“For over 50 years, the Older Americans Act has provided funding for critical services that have helped keep our older adults in Maine and across our country healthy and independent,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation will ensure funding continues for some of the most vital and successful programs, such as meals on wheels and caregiver support, that are currently used by nearly 12 million older Americans and their loved ones.”

The Older Americans Act has been due for reauthorization since 2011 and:

• Provides services to Americans age 60 and over, targeting those with the greatest social and economic need;
• Provides home-delivered nutrition services, group meals, family caregiver support, and community service employment;
• Ensures all long-term care residents have access to the long-term care ombudsman program which advocates and resolves complaints for residents; and
• Provides services to prevent the abuse and neglect of seniors.

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