June 2025 Newsletter

June Dates to Remember

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia, and the importance of brain health. Throughout the month, individuals and organizations across the country come together to support those affected, share resources, and advocate for greater understanding and early detection. It’s also a time to honor caregivers and loved ones by promoting education, compassion, and action.

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a time to recognize and stand against the mistreatment of older adults. Elder abuse can take many forms—including physical, emotional, financial, and neglect—and often goes unreported. Older adults living with dementia are especially vulnerable. By speaking up and staying informed, we can help create safer, more respectful environments for aging with dignity.

June 27 is National PTSD Awareness Day, dedicated to increasing understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and encouraging support for those affected. While commonly associated with veterans, PTSD can impact anyone who has experienced trauma—including caregivers and individuals living with dementia. Raising awareness helps reduce stigma, promote early intervention, and ensure access to mental health resources. It's a reminder that healing is possible, and no one should have to face trauma alone.

How Federal Policies Are Putting Older Adults at Risk

Across the U.S., older adults rely on federally funded programs for healthcare, housing, transportation, and legal aid. But a wave of Executive Orders and funding cuts is threatening the very safety net these individuals depend on. Aging services—like nutrition programs, transportation assistance, and protections against elder abuse—are being weakened, leaving communities scrambling to adapt.

🏛️ Executive Orders and Budget Cuts:

From freezing federal grants to dismantling offices like the Administration for Community Living and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office for Older Americans, recent federal actions have created uncertainty and instability. Critical programs such as Medicaid, Medicare SHIPs, and elder rights initiatives now face severe threats.

🧓 Impact on Health & Civil Rights:

Cuts to the CDC and NIH jeopardize Alzheimer’s and dementia research, cancer care, and COVID-19 protections. At the same time, anti-DEI and anti-immigrant policies are stripping civil rights protections—especially for LGBTQ+ and immigrant older adults, many of whom are caregivers or care recipients.

🗣️ How You Can Help:

Advocates are fighting back in courts, at protests, and through local coalitions. You can help by sharing stories with lawmakers, educating your community, and contacting Congress at (202) 224-3121. The future of aging services depends on collective action—your voice matters. Read more.

Family Caregiving in the U.S. Sees Major Growth—Especially for Dementia

Between 2011 and 2022, the number of family caregivers supporting older adults in home or residential settings grew by 32%, rising from 18.2 million to 24.1 million, according to a major study by Johns Hopkins and the University of Michigan. Caregivers for individuals with dementia saw an even more dramatic increase—providing nearly 50% more care hours per week, from 21.4 to 31 hours.

📊 Researchers analyzed national data sets (NHATS and NSOC) and found that while caregiving networks for people with dementia remained stable, many caregivers are now living with the people they care for. Despite providing more support, caregivers reported little change in their burden, but many had reduced access to support services like respite care or support groups.

🔍 While caregiving has remained manageable for some, researchers warn that caregivers supporting individuals with dementia or those with fewer resources face increased risk of negative impacts. As the 85+ population is expected to triple by 2050, the study calls for a cohesive national strategy to support caregivers—financially, emotionally, and physically—before the burden becomes unsustainable.

“Family caregivers are critical to our care-delivery system. Looking ahead, we must identify and support their needs to ensure they can continue providing the critical support that millions of older adults rely on.”

— Dr. Jennifer L. Wolff, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Read the Full Article Here.

Bronx Affordable Senior Housing

 Highlights Nationwide Crisis

When East Clarke Place Senior Residence opened in the Bronx in 2021, it received an overwhelming 26,000 applications for just 84 units—including 200 handwritten ones. Reserved for adults 62+ earning 60% or less of the area median income, no tenant pays more than 30% of their income toward rent. The immense demand reflects a nationwide shortage of affordable senior housing.

Nationally, 6.6 million older adults spend more than half their income on rent, with over 2.3 million facing “worst-case housing needs.” Advocates warn that even minor setbacks could push many into homelessness. Developments like East Clarke Place and its upcoming sibling on Andrews Avenue offer supportive services, ADA-compliant design, and community-focused spaces—but they’re just a drop in the bucket.

With the population of adults 80+ projected to double by 2035, housing demand will only grow. Advocates say the private sector cannot solve the crisis alone—greater public investment and policy reform are essential to ensure low-income older adults can age in place with dignity, stability, and connection to their communities. Read more.

Visit our PSS Life! University catalog page and search the "Caregiving" category for events especially for caregivers and their loved ones.

Upcoming Free Events

Tuesday, June 3 4:00 to 5:00 PM EDT

Ask The Experts: Navigating Solo Aging

Join us for an engaging panel discussion on solo aging, where experts will share invaluable insights on planning for the future, building strong social networks, housing and caregiving options, legal considerations, and more. 

Whether you're aging with or without a partner or children or simply want to take proactive steps for a secure and fulfilling future, this conversation will provide the knowledge and strategies you need. 

Register Now.

Tuesday, June 10 1:00 PM to 2:PM EDT

End of Life Issues Facing Veterans and Families

Join us for an informative session designed for clinicians, counselors, and advocates who work with aging Veterans. Presented by MJHS, this webinar will explore how to provide more effective support as Veterans navigate aging-related challenges.

Register Now.

Thursday, June 12 1:00 to 2:00 PM EDT

Brain Health and Eating for Cognitive Function

Join us for an informative Zoom event where Registered Dietician Dina D'Alessandro will present on brain health and eating for cognitive function. She will discuss how to unlock a sharper mind by eating, sleeping and living for better brain health. You will learn about key nutrients and food that support brain health and cognitive function; lifestyle factors that can impact brain function; practical strategies and resources for supporting brain health or neurodegenerative challenges. 

Register Now.

Tuesday, June 17 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM EDT

Difficult but Important Conversations

Learn how to hold important conversations with yourself, your loved ones, health care providers, and those who need to understand your choices. Ensure that your wishes will be respected when you’re no longer able to speak on your own behalf. Additionally, engage in an interactive discussion about finding meaning in life, creating a legacy project, and sharing it with others.

Register Now.

Navigating Financial Uncertainty

If you are caring for someone who is chronically ill, frail or has memory loss, call us at (866) 665-1713 or email careinfo@pssusa.org.