S. 870

Congressional Research Service summary, version: Introduced in Senate (Mar 5, 2025)

Enhancing Native Elders' Longevity, Dignity, Empowerment, and Respect Act or the Native ELDER Act

This bill establishes a tribal advisory committee, revises certain grants, and requires reporting related to older (i.e., aged 60 or older) American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.

Specifically, the bill directs the Administration on Aging (AOA) to establish a tribal advisory committee to provide advice and guidance on matters relating to older Native Americans.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the technical assistance and training programs provided to grant recipients (e.g., tribal organizations providing supportive services) may include topics such as program management, data development and use, basic business skills, grant development, program and service innovations, and staff training and certification.

The bill directs the AOA, when making grants to tribal organizations to provide supportive services for older Native Americans, to prioritize organizations that will use these grants for necessary home modifications that will facilitate the ability of older Native Americans to remain at home.

The AOA must also report to Congress on (1) the feasibility of modeling the Native American Caregiver Support Program after the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, (2) the level of need for in-home services that include accessible home modifications for older Native Americans, and (3) the barriers to Indian tribes accessing programs for older Native Americans. This report must be made publicly available.

The Department of Labor must report to Congress on how recipients of funding under the Senior Community Service Employment Program are serving older Native Americans.