2014 AARP Caregiving Survey: Opinions and Experiences of Alabama Registered Voters Age 45 and Older

Many Alabama registered voters 45+ have already undertaken the responsibility of family caregiving, and even more recognize it is a likely role in their future.   With such an overwhelming preference for living at home with caregiver assistance over assisted living or nursing home care, it is not surprising that there is widespread support for proposals to ensure that family caregivers have the resources they need to continue providing care to their loved ones for as long as possible. 

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Family members often undertake caregiving willingly, and many find it a source of deep satisfaction and meaning. However, caregiving in today’s economic climate and fragmented health care system can have a significant impact on the family members who provide care as the results from this survey have shown.  From using their own financial resources to modifying their work schedules to accommodate the needs of their loved ones, Alabama caregivers show a determination to uphold their family value of enabling their older family members to remain at home and in the community for as long as possible. 

Whether through support for respite care options or help in navigating the health care system on behalf of their loved ones, it is clear that registered voters age 45 and older in the state recognize the important contribution of family caregivers.  Alabama registered voters 45+ send an imperative message through the survey to elected officials to make it a priority to strengthen laws and regulations, and fund essential services, that support family caregivers in Alabama.

The 2014 AARP Alabama Caregiving Survey was conducted through telephone interviews with a sample of 800 respondents ages 45 and older drawn from registered voters in Alabama. The interviews were conducted in English by Precision Opinion, Inc. from July 19th through July 26th, 2014. The results from the study were weighted by age and gender. For more information, contact Aisha Bonner at abonner@aarp.org.