WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) supported the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA), S. 192, which provides home and community-based services for the aging community throughout the United States. Home-delivered meals, in-home services, and transportation are just some of the services offered by the program, which was originally signed into law in 1965.
“Thanks to the Older Americans Act, 6.8 million meals have been delivered to seniors and more than 25,000 preventative screenings have been performed throughout Illinois. This bill strengthens the program and promotes healthy, independent living for Illinois’ seniors. I commend my colleagues for passing this legislation that invests in the health of our moms, dads and grandparents.”
S. 192 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.
This week marked the 50th Anniversary of OAA being signed into law. S. 192 reauthorizes the program to ensure that the 500,000 Illinois seniors that rely on the program are still able to receive services. In Illinois, the program has provided 6.8 million home delivered meals, over 25,000 health and disease prevention services, and 2.5 million congregate meals at 445 dining locations.