Murkowski introduces legislation to help Alaska Native Elders age in place

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - On Tuesday, Senator Lisa Murkowski introduced the “Enhancing Native Elders’ Longevity, Dignity, Empowerment, and Respect (Native ELDER) Act” which aims to improve federal programs and services for Alaska Native Elders.

Murkowski partnered with Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) for this act to recognize Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native Hawaiian Elders in light of Older Americans Month this May.

The Native ELDER Act builds on the legislation Murkowski and Smith co-led in 2019 – the Strengthening Services for Native Elders Act which was included in the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 2020 – expiring on Sept. 30, 2024.

The new piece of legislation prioritizes support services and in-home modifications for the purpose of allowing Native American Elders to age in place, and in their communities.

“When meeting with Alaska stakeholders, they identified home modifications to improve accessibility and caregiver support as some of the greatest unmet needs for Alaska Native Elders,” Senator Murkowski stated in a press release.

“Our Elders already face substantially worse health outcomes at disproportionately higher rates than other seniors. We have to help bridge this divide by ensuring our Elders have the support they need to age at home, in their local communities. Prioritizing home modifications and supporting family members who act as caregivers, is essential in supporting not only Elders, but the entire community. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with ANTHC, Southcentral Foundation, Tanana Chiefs Conference, Maniilaq Association, National Indian Health Board, and the National Indian Council on Aging to help Alaska Native Elders live their lives with care and dignity, in the communities they call home.” she continued.

“Honoring and caring for elders is foundational to Native American communities. Tribal elders in Minnesota and across the country have been clear about their needs,” said Senator Smith. “Enhanced support for caregivers, funding for home modifications, and better training programs for Tribes to deliver in-home care are some of the basic needs this bill would help to meet. Taking care of our elders – giving them the tools to age comfortably and with dignity in their own homes – this is how we keep our communities strong, and I’m proud this bill will help to deliver on that promise.”

“The Native ELDER Act provides a mechanism for a more robust program to address how home care is utilized in rural Alaska,” said Brian Ridley, Chief of Tanana Chiefs Conference. “As recipients of Title VI funding, Tanana Chiefs Conference is deeply familiar with the benefits of the Home Care program. This Act is an excellent step towards improving agency coordination and increasing funding.” He adds, “Our culture puts great emphasis on elder care. Our elders should have the ability to pass down traditional knowledge and values in the safety and comfort of their homes.”

To learn more about this legislation go here.

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