The Administration for Community Living: More Than a Decade of Policies Promoting the Health of Older Adults, People Living With Disabilities, and Their Families and Caregivers.

Abstract

As the Administration for Community Living (ACL) reaches its 13th year as an organization within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, current plans for restructuring will result in its closing. The current article reflects on the policies and programs led by the ACL for more than a decade, promoting the health and independence of older adults and people living with disabilities, including their families and caregivers. A brief overview of exemplars focused on family caregivers, fall prevention, and home- and community-based services highlight the potential impact of the closing of the ACL on vulnerable communities. As a result, a list of growing organizations and advocates, including health care and scientific professional groups, have voiced their concerns for the future without the ACL and limited details regarding the continuation of services and resources. The historic nature of these changes calls for gerontological nurse leaders, clinicians, and researchers to stay informed and engaged in support of the population and communities we serve. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 51(5), 7-11.].