[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 21]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 29150]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCING A RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING INCREASED FEDERAL AND STATE 
             SUPPORT FOR HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 1, 2007

  Mr. HASTINGS or Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
resolution calling for increased funding for Federal and State home and 
community-based services for individuals with disabilities of any age, 
and especially the elderly. It is fitting that I introduce this bill 
today because November is National Home Care and Hospice Month.
  The resolution which I am introducing today highlights the overall 
cost-effectiveness and improved outcomes in quality care for the 
elderly and disabled who are furnished health care in their homes or 
other community settings. By increasing financial assistance and 
broadening access to home and community-based services, we can help 
ensure that the quality of care individuals receive in their home and 
community is just as accessible an option as hospital and institutional 
attention.
  Madam Speaker, this is an important resolution for three crucial 
reasons. First, it endorses the efforts of the elderly and individuals 
with disabilities to remain independent and sustain their viability 
during the last years of their life. Supporting studies show that 
individuals who receive home and community-based care have greater life 
expectancies than those who are moved from everything that is familiar 
to them and placed in hospitals and other forms of institutional care.
  Second, this resolution promotes the expansion of employment 
opportunities in the nursing and in-home care industries. By 
implementing government funded in-home care as a viable alternative to 
that of nursing home care, more seniors will elect to be nursed at 
home, creating a situation that will enhance their quality of life 
while also increasing job opportunities.
  Finally, this resolution encourages the implementation of more 
unified training and supervision standards for certified nurse aides 
and homecare aides. Through adoption of uniformly high standards, we 
can ensure our citizens in need have access to qualified professionals 
when selecting home and community-based care.
  According to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice, 
which I am proud to report supports this resolution, patients receiving 
home and community-based care are more likely to enjoy better outcomes, 
including a greater responsibility for healthier living, increased 
independence and productivity, self-esteem, family cohesion and overall 
contribution to their larger community.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. As 
Members of Congress, we have a great opportunity to make a positive 
impact on this issue, an issue that is of concern to many of our 
grandparents, parents, and will be of concern to us. I look forward to 
working with my colleagues and moving this resolution forward.

                          ____________________