Vermont has an aging population and a profound shortage of caregivers, especially in rural areas. Unpaid family caregivers are bearing the brunt of this crisis. As a state with one of the highest median ages in the US, a high cost of living, and burnout for in-home aides and nurses, adult day programs have been forced to limit capacity, creating long waitlists for vulnerable residents.

 

Approximately 9,000 additional nurses are needed within the next seven years to address the shortage. I believe increased tax credits for unpaid family caregivers, expanded family leave, robust scholarships for nurses and home healthcare workers, and easy access to support networks will help ease the burden on families and allow our aging population to live out their lives with dignity.

 

As a daughter of an 82 year old, I see how challenging Medicare navigation can be and wish I could affect this national issue. Seniors need more than straight Medicare: Medigap, vision, hearing coverage, and prescription drug coverage are all critical. Less expensive health-care insurance products PLUS home-grown pharmacy plans like that of Treasurer Piecak, designed to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, would be my starting point.

 

In terms of community assets, older Vermonters help one another AND hold up our communities through volunteering, and mentoring, keeping history and democracy alive and supporting one another through technical assistance. We should ensure that every town has a recognizable and well-resourced community or senior center to keep our neighbors from facing isolation and aging alone.

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