OKCares

URGENT! Critical programs supporting family caregivers and older adults are at risk! Lifespan Respite Care, the Older Americans Act (OAA), and the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) face potential cuts. These programs provide essential services like: -Respite care for families caring for loved ones with disabilities -Senior centers, nutrition programs, and caregiver support -Assistance with Medicare benefits and healthcare costs

🚨 URGENT ACTION NEEDED 🚨 The GOP’s new Continuing Resolution (CR) released tonight excludes the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization and the Older Americans Act Reauthorization. Without reauthorization, these vital programs risk losing critical funding! Millions of children and adults with disabilities, chronic conditions, and their family caregivers depend on these programs for respite care and essential support. Congress must not renege on their promise to these families. These provisions have bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, and an agreement had already been reached to include them in the final spending package. Take action NOW: 📞 Call your House Representative and Senators. 📢 Tell them to stand with the nation’s 50+ million family caregivers and ensure these programs are fully funded. For more details and action steps, check the National Respite Coalition’s alert here: https://lnkd.in/ezC8Svjp

❗ Urgent Action Needed! Older Americans Act Reauthorization is at risk❗   We are learning the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) could be dropped from Congress's year end legislative package. OAA programs are a lifeline and serve as a vital resource for nearly 11 million older adults and their family caregivers. Tell congress to act on this vital program for families. 💡How you can help:   ☑️ Go to our OAA Action Center. (https://lnkd.in/ewcisSgE) ☑️ Reach out to your members of Congress and request they include OAA reauthorization as a part of the year end legislative package. Share this alert with your network. The more Congress hears, the better!   Older adults and family caregivers in every community across the U.S. are counting on these vital programs.   #OldAmericansAct #Congress #CaregiverNation #ActonRaise #TakeAction

Action is needed today to get the Continuing Resolution over the finish line. Last night, bipartisan House and Senate leadership released final legislative language for the must-pass legislative package. The National Respite Coalition is thrilled to report that the Senate Lifespan Respite Reauthorization language that extends the program for five years through FY 2029 and expands eligibility to young caregivers is included in the bill! In addition, the Older Americans Act Reauthorization and the extension of the RAISE Family Caregivers Act are included as well!! Read more and take action!!! https://lnkd.in/eJJQEy-t Please share this alert far and wide!!! American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) National Alliance for Caregiving Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD Sara Poole Tracy Brady Cieniewicz Rachel Watkins-Petersen Kim Whitmore, PhD, RN Nebraska Lifespan Respite Network Massachusetts Lifespan Respite Coalition South Carolina Respite Coalition Toy Pilot Kathy Mayfield-Smith Illinois Respite Coalition Idaho Caregiver Alliance New Mexico Caregivers Coalition Cheryl Smith OKCares Tennessee Caregiver Coalition Arizona Caregiver Coalition, Inc. Respite Care Association Of Wisconsin (RCAW) New York State Caregiving and Respite Coalition

RAISE and Engage: Launch Respite Now! will provide a space to elevate innovative best practices, propel the respite workforce forward, envision a new path to caregiver support, and take flight with new ideas for respite care! Register at https://lnkd.in/eErEd5BR #LaunchRespite2025 #archnationalrespite #alabamalifespanrespite ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center

A Very Merry Fiesta! 🎄🎉 Join the Autism Foundation of Oklahoma, Sooner SUCCESS, Center for Learning and Leadership, Family Support 360° Center, and @Oklahoma Family Network for a holiday social for young adults with autism (12+) and their families! When: December 19th, 6:30-9:30 PM Where: Capitol Hill Library, 327 SW 27th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73109 Enjoy: Light refreshments Games Singing And more! A Very Merry Fiesta registration is required. https://lnkd.in/guBdd67m #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #holidayfun #OklahomaCity

December 18th | Plan for Your Future with LifeCourse 📅 Join the Center for Learning and Leadership | UCEDD, Oklahoma Family Network, and the Oklahoma Disability Law Center, Inc. for a FREE training on using LifeCourse to prepare for waiver services. When: December 18th, 6:30-8 PM ⏰ Where: Online 💻 Learn how to: *Use Charting the LifeCourse tools 📈 *Prepare for long-term support 🏡 *LifeCourse registration is required. https://lnkd.in/eb5CtEzg #LifeCourse #disabilityrights #specialneeds #longtermcare #waiverservices

December 17th | Social Meetup for Autistic Adults and Allies 🎄🎁 Feeling overwhelmed by the holiday hustle and bustle? Join the Community of Autistic Adults & Allies in Norman (CAAAN) for a relaxing social event at The Standard in Norman! When: December 17th at 6 PM Where: The Standard, Norman What to expect: ~Festive fun and holiday cheer ~Cookie exchange (bring a dozen individually-wrapped treats to share) if interested ~Games, puzzles, fidgets, and art ~A chance to connect with fellow autistic adults and allies ~No RSVP required. Just come as you are! #autisticadults #autismallies #CAAAN #NormanOK #holidayfun #socialgathering

Need COVID home tests? 🤔 The U.S. Postal Service 📬 is making it easy! Every household is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests. ✅ Here's how to order: *Visit the official website: https://lnkd.in/gpZyft6F 💻 *Enter your shipping address 📍 *Confirm your order 👍 *That's it! Your tests will be shipped directly to your home via USPS. 🚚💨 #COVID19 #FreeTests #USPS #StaySafe #HomeTest