Item 11: Draft Recommendation — original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260909-011: National Care at Home Month – November WHEREAS, care delivered in the home enables older adults, people with disabilities (PWD), and individuals living with serious or acute illness to receive needed services while remaining in familiar surroundings and connected to their families and communities; and WHEREAS, care at home includes a continuum of services such as home health care, personal care, hospice and palliative care, and home- and community-based services1; and WHEREAS, the 2025 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study reports that “men, PWD, and caregivers all show significantly poorer Aging in Place Scores,” underscoring the importance of supports that help people remain safely in their homes and communities2; and WHEREAS, the Study reports that older adults prioritize “pest control, the installation of grab bars and handrails, ramps, and walk-in tubs or showers” to enhance the existing housing stock3; and WHEREAS, nurses, therapists, home care aides, social workers, direct care professionals, family caregivers, volunteers, and others providing care in the home play an essential role in supporting health, dignity, independence, and quality of life. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to proclaim November 2026 as "National Care at Home Month" in Austin and to recognize the professionals, family caregivers, volunteers, and organizations that provide essential care and support to Austinites in their homes. Date of Approval: _______________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ 1 National Alliance for Care at Home, National Care at Home Month 2 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study 2025, Housing and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), p. 12. 3 Ibid.