MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Abstract:
In today’s political climate several issues are under hot debate, but one issue in particular has been swept under the carpet, elderly care. At present, the nation is undergoing a major age demographic change. The baby boomer population is growing older and younger generations are smaller in number. This combined with increased life expectancy means that there is a smaller, working population and a larger, dependent population; the financial and infrastructural supply cannot meet the demand. If left unaddressed by federal policymakers and leaders, the nation will be faced with an insurmountable financial and health crisis. This paper will analyze both the domestic and foreign trends in demographic transitions to understand both what must be done for homeland policy and what consideration USAID should take for international support and assistance. Additionally the health challenges the elderly population is anticipated to face will be assessed with a focus on rising rates of dementia. An evaluation on caregivers will also be provided as these are the individuals most important in the health care provision of the dependent population. Finally, future direction in how to facilitate a dependent, elderly population will be advised. If the United States does not take action and advise a plan, the rights and wellbeing of thousands of senior citizens will be at stake.

Reader’s Profile: Republicans who do not feel that it is federal responsibility to address senior citizen health care.

Reader’s Response:
It is not within government responsibility to pay for the health care bills of the senior citizen population. Current legislation from Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid is the financial provision the government currently offers the elderly. Other health costs that the 65 plus aged individual may face is within their own responsibility to pay for. Families with elderly members should not expect the government to pay for facility-oriented care that the family members themselves can provide at home. It is time for family members to take responsibility of their elderly loved ones and not merely drop them off at nursing homes with the expectation that the government will pay. Individuals should have personal savings accounts and insurance policies to care for their own unprecedented future needs. The United States is a Democracy, not a Socialist nation.

S -- be sure to also recall that you need to connect with your CT congress members. Can you check and see what committees they sit on? You can include this information in your cover letter.