Biden’s Administration Releases $460 Million for Home Care Services

After President Joe Biden’s announcement of $400 billion for home care in March 2021; the administration’s move of releasing the amount of $1.4 billion for home-based services and other programs for seniors is something to applaud.

This news was released when the home care industry was experiencing the burn, and almost at the verge of collapsing. It needed support to keep the spirits high of those who are committed to providing care and make life easier for others.

As per the report by the Home Health Care News, the amount distributed by the administration for community living, a chunk of the funds would go towards the homecare and community-based services.

Of the $1.4 billion being released, $460 million will be set aside for home-and community-based services, which include household chores, transportation, case management, and grocery shopping. Keeping the ongoing crisis in consideration, the report says, the funds will be used to vaccinate the elder population.

The President had signed the American Rescue Plan, a COVID-19 relief package, into law on March 11. The Older Americans Act programs will support programs that target social isolation, senior nutrition, and family caregivers.

Announcing the amount of $400B for home-based care in March has become a victory and motivational relief for the care providers as the U.S. President actively supported in-home care. The administrative support is a monumental advance in the decades-long effort to provide full access to quality care for seniors across the nation.

The initiative brought the home care industry and the contributions of caregivers into the limelight. This also brought back the value that was lost for the care service providers too.

The proposal towards home care showcases the promise of meeting the urgent needs of the seniors as well as the caregivers of the nation. The initiative also aimed at addressing the short-term and long-term needs of the caregivers.

The HHCN report states that a portion of the $145 million will go towards helping family and informal caregivers. This will include processes of counseling, training, respite care, and more.

The efforts made by the administration to initiate expanded support for senior citizens who are aging in place is a valuable step towards meeting their growing needs.

This announcement from the Biden administration is in line with its infrastructural proposal under the American Jobs Plan unveiled in March. It exhibited some of the potential benefits to the entire caregiver community such as improving compensation, enhancing the quality of life of caregivers, economic benefits, respect, and new job opportunities.

The investment in the home care business at the time of the pandemic has been received with regard by home care industry experts and advocates.

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