CHA task force prepares report on care of elderly.

The CHA Task Force on Long Term Care Policy is examining social, spiritual, and economic factors related to America's growing elderly population and to the ways in which society will respond to their special needs. The task force is working to: Articulate the Church's theological and ethical basis for interest in the needs of the elderly, and describe related justice implications Identify the concerns of the elderly, with emphasis on healthcare Identify the Church community's existing approaches to meeting the needs Identify existing resources in the larger community Identify ways in which the Church community can coordinate resources in service of the elderly Identify and recommend for advocacy private and public sector mechanisms for financing long-term healthcare for the frail elderly The task force expects to present a final draft of recommendations to the CHA board in April. The book will be presented to the public at the 73rd Annual Catholic Health Assembly in Nashville, TN, June 19 to 22.