Virginia home care aid Athena Jones spoke at a Capitol Hill press conference today held by Democratic Senators Chris Dodd (D-Conn), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Robert Casey (D-Pa) and Paul Kirk (D-Mass) to discuss the importance of including long term care provisions in health care reform.

Providing home health and home care services for all Americans would significantly bring down costs and most importantly, improve and empower millions of lives--all points Athena Jones drove home today in her testimony. Her arguments on why we must increases Americans' ability to receive in-home care were so convincing and moving, Senator Chris Dodd commented afterward that he wanted her on the Senate floor--and that if he could have a "designated hitter," Athena would be it. Watch her speak:

Right now, receiving in-home care is not something that's affordable or accessible for millions of Americans and 15 to 20 percent of people who apply for long term care insurance coverage are rejected. The CLASS (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports) Act as part of the Senate health care reform bill would change this by allowing millions of people to continue living at home and functioning in their communities while receiving the care and support they need--instead of being forced into more costly institutions or nursing homes. "For every one person in a nursing home, you can support three people in their homes," said Senator Harkin.

Using a metaphor to emphasize the necessity of increased access to long term care services, Senator Harkin said this:

"When you look around this country, all the buses are accessible. Subways are accessible. Buildings are accessible. But like so many people have told me...that's all great, but if I can't get out of my bed and get to that bus stop, it doesn't mean much to me."

More photos from the health care reform press conference on SEIU's Flickr page here.