Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Rights of Older Persons, Claudia Mahler
Agenda Item 3
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As Delivered by Jessica Brzeski
Human Rights Council – 51th Session
Thank you, Mr. Vice President.
The United States empowers older persons to make decisions affecting their lives.
In the United States, legal frameworks exist to protect older persons. The Older Americans Act outlines government responsibilities to secure equal opportunity for older persons and include them in the broader society. This includes facilitating access to quality physical and mental health services and long-term care services and offering choices in living arrangements and assistance. The Act promotes freedom and independence for older persons to manage their lives and offers protections against abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
The Elder Justice Act coordinates U.S. government activities to prevent, detect, and remediate elder abuse, including supports for survivor recovery and prosecutorial actions.
COVID-19 restricts how older persons can receive health services and support. Dedicated U.S. funding for our national ageing services network enhances access to vaccinations, including providing for in-home vaccinations for the homebound. This funding also provides wellness checks and leverages technology to combat social isolation by staying connected to older persons. All of this allows older persons confined to their homes to receive essential health care.
Are there success stories regarding the resilience of health delivery systems during the pandemic?
I thank you.
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