Who will listen to us? Your Turn Gary A. Baldwin Guest Column As our average population grows older, we all begin to think about the quality of life in later years. Where will we live? Will we be happy? Will help be available for our health-care needs? In other words, who will be listening to our concerns? We can depend on the Organization of Residents Associations in New Jersey (ORANJ), whose membership has already been paying attention to seniors’ well being. ORANJ represents more than 9,000 residents in 23 of the 25 continuing care communities (CCRCs) verified in this state. A CCRC provides residents with facilities for independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and long-term care. They have on-site entertainment, dining facilities and medical care. ORANJ is working hard to make sure that older citizens are heard in the halls of the state Legislature. The issues are important. ORANJ has helped CCRCs, and their residents who occupy nursing beds under Medicare, to obtain an exemption from an onerous tax on nursing home beds benefiting only Medicare patients. This is saving hundreds of thousands of dollars per year for most CCRCs. Now several issues arise that involve all Jersey residents, both young and old who face the prospect of living in a senior residence or have relatives and friends who do. So far we’ve had two bills get some attention in the Legislature. One would ask the governor to activate the Continuing Care Advisory Council approved previously and to appoint three of its members nominated by ORANJ. The second would require CCRC boards of trustees to discuss issues with residents before making major decisions that would affect the lifestyle and finance of residents. It would also require resident membership on the Boards of Trustees. If we fail to secure passage of the bills this year, we plan to start again next year with the new administration and we therefore urge your help in this effort. Other issues of importance to us all: • For veterans, property tax benefits and retention of the Veterans Tax Exemption that is being taken from veterans who move into CCRCs. • Planned property tax reductions that are revenue neutral. • Keeping CCRC fees more in line with the annual increase in the Social Security program. • Protection against identity theft. • Guarding against electronic monitoring technologies that invade the privacy of long-term-care individuals. I urge all citizens of New Jersey to support these efforts involving your personal concerns about the future. Don’t let short-term apathy hurt you and those for whom you care. Pitch in for the quality of life. Gary A. Baldwin is the president of the Organization of Residents Associations of NJ, Tinton Falls.