Virgin Islands Faces Aging Crisis: AARP Advocates for Transformative Elder Care Legislation

The bill, sponsored by Senator at Large Angel Bolques Jr., received strong support from AARP Virgin Islands State Director Troy de Chabert-Schuster. However, AARP did not stop at endorsement; they challenged the Legislature to take even bolder action to address the growing needs of the territory’s aging population.

Currently, the Virgin Islands lacks a single Medicaid-certified nursing home, leaving many families to either provide unpaid caregiving or send their loved ones off-island for care. This often results in significant emotional and financial strain. AARP emphasized the importance of creating a “homegrown future” for elder care, rather than adopting solutions from the mainland that may not align with the territory’s unique cultural and social needs.

To achieve this, AARP proposed several targeted amendments to the bill. These include implementing small-home nursing models, aligning Medicaid policies more effectively, establishing workforce standards, and securing federal partnerships through waiver access by 2028. The organization stressed that the bill must prioritize equity and transparency to avoid replicating the shortcomings of mainland elder care systems.

AARP also called for the inclusion of culturally sensitive, intergenerational care models and urged the Legislature to create oversight boards comprising caregivers, advocates, and seniors themselves. This approach, they argued, would ensure that the bill serves the community it is intended to help.

The stakes are high. Without decisive action, the Virgin Islands risks outsourcing the dignity and care of its elders to the mainland. AARP believes that, if implemented correctly, this legislation could not only transform elder care but also serve as an economic driver for the territory.

As the conversation continues, residents are encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives. Whether you have faced the challenges of caregiving or have had to send a loved one off-island for care, your voice is vital in shaping the future of elder care in the Virgin Islands.

For more updates on this and other important issues, stay tuned to VI Update. Your islands. Your news. Our reporting.