WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 1,500 citizens have submitted unique comments backing a Department of Labor proposal to expand affordable and accessible in-home care options for America’s seniors, thanks to Independent Women’s regulatory comment drive, Support Aging in Place: Expand Access to In-Home Care. 

Independent Women drove a substantial percentage of the total comments submitted to the Department of Labor for this rule. The proposed rule’s regulatory docket comment period closed at midnight on September 2.

Launched on July 15, Independent Women activated its members to submit comments that weave in personal stories of challenges supporting elder family members and urge the agency to move forward with rescinding the 2013 companionship exemption changes that restricted senior’s access to affordable in-home help. 

“This is what citizen engagement looks like,” said Heather Madden, Independent Women’s policy staff director. “This activation demonstrates that Americans want to make their voices heard and to shape meaningful policies that truly work for their families and loved ones.” 

The desire to age in place is widespread among Americans, with 88% preferring to remain in their homes for as long as possible as they grow older rather than relocating to a senior living facility.


Independent Women has been at the forefront of exposing the fallout from the 2013 Home Care Rule, which made it more difficult and expensive for seniors to get the care they need at home by removing a key exemption in federal labor law—forcing most in-home caregivers into rigid overtime requirements.

“The 2013 Home Care Rule restricted access, affordability, and availability of in-home support, making it near impossible for many seniors to age in place,” Madden added. “It has also limited flexible work opportunities for students, retirees, and others suited to live-in arrangements. The Department of Labor’s proposed rule, as advanced under the Trump administration, would restore a more practical framework by restoring the previous definition of companionship and allowing caregivers employed through third-party agencies, such as home care agencies or staffing firms, to once again qualify for the exemption. This change expands seniors’ choices and makes both work and support arrangements more flexible and accessible.”

Judy Pino, advisor on Hispanic issues and spokeswoman at Independent Women, said in an op-ed for The Washington Times about the comment drive for the 2013 Home Care Rule, “In Hispanic families, we are raised to care for our elders. It’s not a question; it’s a promise, and one we embrace wholeheartedly. Our community is rooted in intergenerational care. We believe in aging with dignity at home, surrounded by family. However, outdated federal regulations such as the 2013 Home Care Rule issued by the Labor Department have made that dream harder to achieve. This is our moment to make caregiving work for real families. The Labor Department’s new rule is a step toward restoring common sense and compassion in caregiving.”

On August 27, Independent Women submitted a formal comment to the Department of Labor, addressing the crushing social, emotional, and financial costs from the 2013 Home Care rule, writing in part:

The 2013 Home Care Rule has proven inadequate in addressing the caregiving requirements of Americans, particularly older individuals. It has raised costs, diminished flexibility, discouraged lawful caregiving arrangements, and left countless seniors and families without viable solutions for in-home care.

We respectfully request that the Department of Labor finalize the proposed rule rescinding the 2013 changes. This would be a meaningful first step toward establishing a caregiving framework that respects the preferences of aging Americans, supports caregivers, and strengthens our communities.

Independent Women drove over 1,500 comments from citizens across the country and shared their personal testimony while urging the Department of Labor to expand affordable and accessible in-home care options: 

“Keeping my 88 and 92 year old parents at home where they belong is my #1 goal! Please help us. Their quality of life depends on it.” – Sam M.

“As someone with extensive experience with home and facility care, I have seen the enormous benefits to both the elderly and their families of aging in place. The elderly, many of whom have severe memory problems, struggle to adjust to new surroundings and caregivers. With the population aging, it is paramount that we remove all obstacles to keeping them at home. The 2013 Home Care Rule was a terribly ill-advised and damaging policy. It must be reversed.” – Aubrey W.

“Often there is no support for the elderly and if there is it is impossible to get approved or to even find the resources. Even less support for the caregiver. We do it out of love, we do it because financially it’s the only way, and we do it because caring for them at home is often the most humane option out there. In south Florida memory care units, rehab centers, and nursing homes are unaffordable and quite often understaffed and undertrained.” – Linda R. 

Beyond supporting this rule change, Independent Women has proposed broader policy solutions— from expanding the au pair program to include senior support options to establishing an American caregiver initiative to provide Americans with more work opportunities while enabling families to get the help they need. 

This work is part of a larger, multi-platform push by Independent Women to put seniors first and build momentum for policy reform. The organization has published policy white papers, educational resources, and op-eds in a variety of national publications:

Click here to view the comment drive.

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