Today, Independent Women initiated a regulatory comment drive called Support Aging in Place: Expand Access to In-Home Care. This initiative encourages Americans to express their support for a new Department of Labor proposed rule aimed at making in-home care more affordable and accessible for seniors.
Independent Women has consistently advocated for policy reforms that empower families, expand freedom, and improve quality of life, particularly for women who often bear the caregiving burden. This initiative seeks to engage the public to advance this important rule.
A significant number of Americans, 88%, prefer aging in place rather than moving to senior living facilities. However, current regulations make it challenging. The market for in-home support is mostly limited to expensive home healthcare aides or nurses, making regular support services unaffordable for many families.
The issue arises from the 2013 Home Care Rule, which removed a key exemption in federal labor law. This change made it harder and more costly for seniors to receive necessary home care by imposing rigid overtime requirements on most in-home caregivers. Consequently, families struggle to secure appropriate care and may resort to senior living facilities or unofficial care.
The Department of Labor’s new proposed rule aims to reverse these restrictions and make in-home care more affordable and accessible. If implemented, the rule would:
– Reinstate the pre-2013 definition of companionship services, allowing many in-home caregivers employed through third parties to qualify for an exemption from overtime requirements.
– Make in-home care more accessible and affordable so that more families can find help within their homes.
– Provide families and workers with greater freedom and flexibility.
Heather Madden, Independent Women’s policy staff director, stated: “Too many families are struggling to find affordable, dignified in-home care options for aging loved ones, largely due to misguided federal regulations. The Department of Labor’s proposal is a vital step toward enhancing accessibility and affordability.” She added that Independent Women is proud to launch the comment drive empowering Americans to advocate for better options.
This effort by Independent Women highlights citizen engagement’s influence on regulatory policy. The Support Aging in Place: Expand Access to In-Home Care comment drive will remain open until September 2, 2025. Comments submitted will be directed to the Department of Labor urging them forward with their proposed rule.
