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2015 SESSION

15101704D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 649
Offered January 14, 2015
Recognizing the Village Concept as an effective alternative to institution-based care.
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Patron-- Krupicka
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, the population of aging adults in the Commonwealth is growing rapidly and is expected to grow an additional 30 percent by 2030; and

WHEREAS, surveys indicate that 90 percent of Americans wish to live independently in their homes and communities as they age; and

WHEREAS, the expansion of home and community-based services and supports in the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions has proved to be a cost-effective alternative to institution-based care and has enabled more aging adults to live independently in their homes and communities; and

WHEREAS, further expansion of home and community-based services and supports in the Commonwealth, including appropriate housing options, a range of mobility and transportation options, and access to cultural, recreational, and social activities, is essential to sustain quality of life for aging adults and allow them to live independently in their homes and communities; and

WHEREAS, the Village Concept, a growing grassroots movement founded on an innovative neighbor-helping-neighbor philosophy, has enabled many communities within and outside the Commonwealth to provide the support required for aging adults to continue living independently in their homes and communities by connecting aging adults in various geographic areas; and

WHEREAS, the Village Concept, under the direction of a board of directors composed primarily of aging adults, provides services and supports to its members for a low membership fee; such services and supports include transportation, home maintenance, yard work, technology assistance, social events, educational and cultural opportunities, and health programs based on the unique needs of members; and

WHEREAS, expansion of the Village Concept in the Commonwealth may improve quality of life for the Commonwealth's aging adults by reducing social isolation and providing the services and supports that the government alone cannot provide but that are necessary for aging adults to continue living independently in their homes and communities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly recognize the Village Concept as an effective alternative to institution-based care.