Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) and U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) joined Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) to reintroduced the Care Corps Demonstration Act to build and strengthen America’s caregiving workforce and help meet the growing demand for caregivers working with seniors and people living with disabilities. 

The nation’s 65-and-older population is expected to almost double in size, from 49 million to 95 million Americans by 2060. By 2030, older Americans are expected to make up nearly 20 percent of the population and over the next ten years the United States is expected to require at least one million more direct care workers.

The Care Corps Demonstration Act will address the country’s growing caregiving needs by placing volunteers in communities to provide vital assistance to help seniors and people with disabilities who need extra support to remain in their homes and live independently. For example, volunteers could help organize transportation and home repairs, deliver groceries, or provide internet assistance. Volunteers will receive health insurance and other benefits throughout the length of their service, along with a robust educational award that can be used to pay future education costs or loans and will encourage volunteers to pursue degrees, certificates, and trainings for health care professions, including caregiving and social services.

“This year, seniors will make up one-fifth of the population of the First State. Over the past few months, we’ve seen how the coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately impacted our oldest neighbors and devastated the lives of many people with disabilities, and we need to make sure the resources are available to provide them the high-quality care that they need and deserve,” said Senator Carper. “The Care Corps Demonstration Act can help us do just that by pairing seniors and people living with disabilities with caregivers who are dedicated to providing critical support so that seniors can remain independent and in the comfort of their homes. I’m proud to support legislation that will strengthen this vital workforce – especially in the midst of a global health crisis –  while also empowering seniors in Delaware and across the country.”

“In the midst of this pandemic, being able to provide Delaware’s seniors and those with disabilities with the care they need and deserve is one of my top priorities,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “We also know the vital role that caretakers play in improving the quality of life for these individuals. That’s why I’m proud to join with my colleagues to reintroduce the Care Corps Demonstration Act. Partnering these extraordinary caretakers with those in need is critical work, especially now, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for this crucial legislation.”  

“The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated the gaps in our health care system, especially for seniors and Americans with disabilities,” said Senator Udall. “But our health care system has been failing to keep pace with the number of people in need of care in New Mexico and across the country even before the current crisis. Each year, over 400,000 New Mexicans provide support and care to their family members or loved ones – care that is often unacknowledged and unpaid. This legislation will help value and honor the critical work of caregivers, while increasing the country’s caregiving capacity to help meet soaring demand. Just as importantly, it will help foster intergenerational relationships and empower those who need extra care to live independently. I’m excited to continue working on bold, innovative solutions like CareCorps to ensure that communities across New Mexico and the nation have access to the care and support they need to live with dignity.”

“COVID has only exacerbated the long-term care crisis our nation affecting seniors, people with disabilities, and their families,” said Representative Dingell. “I know firsthand the responsibilities families take on to care for love one and the frustrations in getting necessary care. Expanding and strengthening the caregiving and healthcare workforce will meet the demand for services while employing Americans in high-demand fields.”

The Care Corps Demonstration Act would:

- Authorize grants for local Care Corps programs at $10 million per year over five years;

- Place Corps volunteers in communities where they will provide services that help seniors and individuals with disabilities remain independent;

- Provide volunteers with health insurance and other benefits during their time of service, along with an educational award that can be used to pay education costs or loans;

- Help build the caregiving and health care workforce needed to meet the demand for services; and

- Create opportunities to form intergenerational relationships.

Joining Senator Carper and Representative Blunt Rochester in co-sponsoring the legislation are Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Angus King (I-Maine), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), along with U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Deb Haaland (D-N.M.), Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.).

The full text of this legislation can be found here. Access a one-page summary of the legislation here.

###