Funding for a key law helping older Missourians is running out.
The Missouri Council on Aging says the Older Americans Act, which supports services like home-delivered meals and caregiver assistance, is only funded through January 30th, 2026.
Stacy Morse, the council’s executive director, told Missourinet that it is one of the most important laws supporting older Americans.
“The reason it’s so important is that the older Americans act is funding meals, caregiver support, and all the things that help older adults live safely at home,” said Morse. “And we know that over 90% of Missourians want to age in place. So, it’s really the backbone of our aging services system.”
Morse said it’s vital for Missourians to speak up.
“Well, right now it is up to Congress,” said Morse. “So, if Missourians want to extend the older Americans Act, they need to let their legislators know the importance of this, how it is helping them, how it is helping support their family members who are older adults or people with disabilities stay in the home and age in place.”
Morse said she wonders what will happen if the Older Americans Act goes unfunded.
“That means that people are relying on small nonprofits and the faith-based community, and they’re overwhelmed,” said Morse. “There are not enough resources through charity in order to take care of this population of people.”
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