“For too long, the health care economy in America has put profit over people and communities’ lived experience — leaving older adults and people with disabilities in the crosshairs. These are meaningful solutions that disrupt the status quo by centering the wants and needs of community and paying for care based on patient experience and outcomes.” 
Senior Director, Dr. Brandon Wilson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

April 18, 2023
CONTACT: Jack Cardinal, (781) 960-5208, jcardinal@communitycatalyst.org

BOSTON, MA — As a longtime advocate for people being able to age in their homes and communities, Community Catalyst is applauding action by President Biden today that will provide additional transparency and support to home care services and the workforce that makes independent living possible. The president’s executive action will make aging and disability care more affordable, enhance access to home and community-based services (HCBS) for veterans, improve job quality for direct care workers and make it easier for family caregivers to access federal care programs, among other things.

Statement from Dr. Brandon Wilson, Senior Director at Community Catalyst:

“For too long, the health care economy in America has put profit over people and communities’ lived experience — leaving older adults and people with disabilities in the crosshairs. These are meaningful solutions that disrupt the status quo by centering the wants and needs of community and paying for care based on patient experience and outcomes.

“Funding for the care economy in America is either scant or non-existent. Across this country underpaid home care workers and unpaid family caregivers, disproportionately women and/or people of color, provide critical care so older adults and people with disabilities can live the lives they want – independently and in their communities.

“The president’s actions are a good start to help address this crisis as we work to center health systems change and innovation in the experiences of people most harmed and oppressed by the current system. We will continue work with our partners to co-create a care system that is person-centered, community-based and rooted in race equity and health justice.”

Background:

The Changing the Care Conversation project is a collaboration between Community Catalyst, Grantmakers in Aging, the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston and coalition partners in 10 states. The project is a national learning and action-oriented initiative to improve support for family caregivers of older adults and people with disabilities, especially those with low and moderate incomes and caregivers of color.

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About Community Catalyst: 

Community Catalyst is a leading non-profit national health advocacy organization dedicated to advancing a movement for race equity and health justice. We partner with local, state and national advocates to leverage and build power so all people can influence decisions that affect their health. Health systems will not be accountable to people without a fully engaged and organized community voice. That’s why we work every day to ensure people’s interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and health care are made: in communities, state houses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit http://www.communitycatalyst.org. Follow us on Twitter @CommCatHealth.