Great Care works to help seniors stay current. And with the upcoming presidential election in November heating up, questions on aging are on the minds of millions of older Americans preparing to vote.

Before Americans cast their ballots in November, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) urges them to ask the presidential and congressional candidates how they will tackle five of the most pressing challenges facing our nation’s older population and their families. The NCOA is a national leader in helping people aged 60+ meet the challenges of aging. The nonprofit’s mission is to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are struggling.

“These issues are not just about seniors — they are about the health and security of all American families,” says Howard Bedlin, NCOA vice president for Public Policy & Advocacy.

Bedding notes that the population is aging rapidly, and all candidates running for office need plans to address these challenges.

“It’s up to every voter to ask them for details,” he says.

These questions include:

1. Long-Term Care

Millions of Americans will need some long-term care services in their lifetime. Yet, most do not realize that Medicare does not cover these costs, and private insurance is unaffordable for many. Too often, seniors are forced to impoverish themselves to get assistance from Medicaid. In addition, access to home care is limited because of Medicaid’s institutional bias. The result is that burdens on family caregivers are only getting worse.

What to ask the candidate: What are your plans to address America’s growing long-term care crisis for families?

2. Funding for Senior Programs

Senior programs—such as home-delivered meals, falls prevention, and caregiver support—keep older adults healthy, secure, and independent in their own homes. They also help families who are juggling elder care with other responsibilities. Yet, senior services are drastically underfunded with growing waiting lists under recent budget caps.

What to ask the candidate: What will you do to reverse the downward trend in support of aging services and make overdue investments in programs that support seniors’ health and economic security?

3. Medicare Low-Income Protections

Half of Medicare beneficiaries have incomes below $24,500. Yet, on average, they must pay more than $5,000 annually out-of-pocket for their health care needs. These seniors face impossible decisions each month on whether to spend their limited incomes on medicine, food, or rent.

What to ask the candidate: What are your plans to strengthen Medicare to ensure that seniors with low incomes who are struggling to make ends meet can afford their health care needs?

4. Senior Hunger

More than nine million older adults face the threat of hunger, yet three in five seniors eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP – formerly known as Food Stamps) are not enrolled in the benefit. Others face fewer home-delivered meals and long waiting lists to participate.

What to ask the candidate: What are your plans to improve vulnerable seniors’ access to the nutritious food necessary for maintaining their health and independence?

5. Social Security

Social Security is the most effective anti-poverty program in U.S. history, keeping 21 million people out of poverty each year. Still, a substantial number of seniors, particularly women and African Americans, rely on Social Security for most or all of their retirement income. This fixed income often isn’t enough to make ends meet, leaving many American seniors struggling to get by.

What to ask the candidate: How do you plan to strengthen Social Security so it better serves the most vulnerable seniors and their families?

To find more information about how to get involved during the election cycle or for more information about advocating for senior issues, go to ncoa.org/Election16.

Through innovative community programs and services, online help, and advocacy, NCOA is partnering with nonprofit organizations, government, and business to improve the health and economic security of 10 million older adults by 2020. Learn more at ncoa.org and @NCOAging on Twitter.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs, including respite care. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (888) 240-9101 for more information.