Pictured are Joyce Bruce, Dell Hall, Edna Hawkins, John Searcy and Jeane Robertson of the Barren River Area Agency on Aging with Governor Ernie Fletcher at the Nov. 3 meeting of the Special Advisory Commission of Senior Citizens in Frankfort.

 
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Aging, disabilities issues focus of proposed new agency
Governor Fletcher announces intention to raise profile,
strengthen voice of special populations

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2006) – Governor Ernie Fletcher addressed the Special Advisory Commission of Senior Citizens in Frankfort Nov. 3 and shared his vision for long-term living for Kentucky’s senior citizens and people with physical disabilities.
During his remarks at the evening banquet, Governor Fletcher announced plans to create a new department in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) to centralize policy coordination, services and leadership on issues of consequence to older Kentuckians and people with physical disabilities.
“The new Department for Aging and Independent Living will focus on ensuring our seniors and individuals with disabilities live independently and with dignity,” Governor Fletcher said. “It will ensure they have a quality life as well as quality care.”
The governor further called upon members of the committee, elder and disabilities advocates, service providers and service recipients to help design and define the department. 
“With your help and support, this department will lay the foundation to ensure Kentuckians, both seniors and individuals with disabilities, will live independently and with dignity today, tomorrow and for years to come,” he said. 
The proposed Department for Aging and Independent Living also will collaborate with other CHFS and external agencies serving persons with mental health and other types of disabilities.
Since assuming office in 2003, Governor Fletcher’s administration has supported and played a key role in addressing immediate and long-term issues impacting the quality of life and care for Kentucky seniors and people with disabilities:

  • Approved a budget with an additional $7.5 million over the 2007-08 biennium to expand and improve the Personal Care Attendant Program, adult day services, in-home services and home-delivered meals; and
  • Another $3.25 million over the biennium to the Kentucky Caregiver Grandparents Program to help support and provide needed services to grandparents raising their grandchildren;
  • Launched the three-year Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative to assess community preparedness to cope with the enormous changes predicted as the baby boom generation ages. KERI findings will be used to help communities minimize the challenges and maximize the opportunities of a rapidly growing elder population;
  • Funded the Aging and Disabilities Resource Center pilot project currently under -way in Northern Kentucky to establish a statewide one-stop information and assistance program for individuals and families seeking long-term care services and options.
  • Appointed eight new members to the state Institute on Aging and established the new Subcommittee on the White House Conference on Aging to further help guide aging policy and service delivery for elder Kentuckians.

The Legislative Research Commission established the Special Advisory Commission of Senior Citizens in 1977 to provide a forum for the exchange of knowledge and experience and development of legislative recommendations to address problems affecting senior citizens and all Kentuckians.