​Ayotte Discusses Senior Citizen Advocacy in Bedford

BEDFORD, NH — On Monday, U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-NH, visited Genesis HealthCare in Bedford, a We Honor Veterans facility that also employs local veterans, to discuss the facilities care for and employ veterans, and met with residents, according to a press statement. She also discussed her efforts to advocate on behalf of New Hampshire seniors and their families in the Senate.

“I appreciated the opportunity to visit Genesis HealthCare in Bedford, and discuss my efforts in the Senate to advocate for New Hampshire seniors," Ayotte said. "In addition, I applaud Genesis for their efforts to employ local veterans and to provide care for veterans at the facility.”

During the visit, Ayotte discussed the importance of preserving and protecting Medicare and Social Security, as well as her efforts to strengthen health care for veterans. She also discussed her support of legislation, the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act, to permanently repeal arbitrary Medicare therapy caps that can serve to limit treatment for patients who require occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology services.

Ayotte cosponsored the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2016, which was signed into law in April 2016 and which supports a wide range of social services and programs that provide critical supports for New Hampshire’s seniors. These programs include supportive services; nutritional services, such as Meals on Wheels; caregiver support; community service employment; and services designed to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of seniors.

Senator Ayotte helped found the bipartisan, bicameral Assisting Caregivers Today (ACT) Caucus, which has helped bring together different groups to elevate the conversation surrounding family caregiving and allow for the advancement of policies to better support caregivers and their loved ones.

Submitted by Lauren Zelt.