S.3827 and a Systematic Review of State-Level Multisector Plans for Aging: How Incorporating Volunteer Caregiving Can Mitigate Service Gaps.

Abstract

Recognizing the growing need to establish and enhance the necessary service infrastructure to better address the diverse needs of a rapidly aging US population, S.3827 (ie, Strategic Plan for Aging Act) seeks to provide federal support for the creation and implementation of Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs). Passage of S.3827 can motivate states to strategically plan for a growing elder cohort, as only 8 states currently have developed and are implementing their own MPAs. In this policy brief, we detail the benefits of developing and implementing an MPA at the state level as well as the broad benefits of passing S.3827. We also conduct a systematic review of the 8 MPAs which have been developed and are currently being implemented, focusing on areas of significant overlap (eg, support for paid formal caregiving and support for informal family caregivers) and potential gaps. We conclude with a review of the volunteer caregiving movement and a discussion on how incorporating volunteer caregiving into an MPA can address local elder needs and mitigate service gaps, particularly among older adults who lack access to formal paid caregivers or informal family caregivers. Should S.3827 pass, we argue that state legislatures and stakeholders in eldercare should seriously consider incorporating the volunteer caregiving model into their strategic plans for aging.