Robin Gunn: Stay informed and updated on current activities in the Oklahoma Legislature
There are many things that happen in life that we often have no control over. However, being informed regarding current issues in a person’s state government prepares them to make good decisions for the best course of action for their senior concerns. The prolific author and public speaker Dr. Tony Alessandra wisely said, “Be smart, be intelligent, and be informed.” I couldn’t agree more.
In the state of Oklahoma, I would particularly encourage you to stay informed and updated on current activities in the Oklahoma Legislature, especially regarding laws pertaining to seniors. The degree of being informed and involved may vary, ranging from awareness of existing and emerging issues, to personally reaching out to local governmental officials. Being informed and involved in essential matters in your community can be considerably beneficial to you and your loved ones.
According to oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/aging, “The Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature (OSHL) was created in 1981 to educate senior Oklahomans about the Oklahoma legislative process and to represent and advocate for the needs of seniors at the State Capitol. The OSHL acts as eyes and ears of Oklahoman seniors through the sponsorship of up to five bills each legislative session at the State Capitol.”
The Silver Haired Legislature has helped to pass many laws that benefit senior Oklahomans and their families. Over the last 40-plus years, some of their accomplishments include helping create living wills, required training for nursing home aides, Alzheimer’s Disclosure bill, long-term ombudsman care, nursing home reform, guardianship and conservatorship.
Most recently in Oklahoma, a new bill has been introduced for revision. AARP Oklahoma has been working on support for family caregivers and an update on current state legislation. The Oklahoma Caring for Caregivers Act (HB 1368) by Rep. Tammy West and Sen. John Michael Montgomery would provide financial relief to family caregivers who pay for home safety modifications, medical equipment or home health care to help keep their parents, spouses and other loved ones at home longer. The bill explains what expenses would be eligible, which include home modifications such as ramp installation, durable medical equipment, assistive technologies, home health and more.
According to www.aarp.gov, “Forty-five percent of voters in Oklahoma age 40-plus have experience as family caregivers, with 14% currently providing unpaid care to an adult loved one. Eight in 10 (79%) caregivers indicated they felt emotionally stressed due to their caregiving responsibilities, and 63% of working caregivers had difficulty balancing job and family responsibilities due to caregiving. Around half of the caregivers who are currently providing care spent money to purchase medical equipment, and one in four spent money to make modifications to their home or their loved one's home.”
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House Bill 1368 passed through both the Senate Finance Committee and the Appropriations Committees. If you are interested in offering your support, contact your state senator and urge passage of the Caring for Caregivers Act. You also can go to action.aarp.org/okcares or call 866-839-1067 (toll-free).
I strongly encourage seniors to research and learn more about all the legislative activities. In addition, take advantage of these services and share this information with loved ones, friends and acquaintances.
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It is possible to become a member of the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature. To obtain a membership application, contact the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) or Community Living or Aging and Protective Services. Many resources can be found at oklahoma.gov/okdhs/services/aging. For additional information regarding membership or further questions about the Silver Haired Legislature, contact Barbara Gwinn at 405-208-2048 or email barbara.gwinn@okdhs.org.
Robin Gunn is the owner of The Oklahoma Senior Journal. She can be reached at rgunn@okseniorjournal.com
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Stay informed on current activities in the Oklahoma Legislature
