AARP Advocacy Brings Relief for Family Caregivers — In State Capitals and on Capitol Hill

Family caregivers are the backbone of long-term care in this country, providing $470 billion in unpaid care a year — managing medications, helping with bathing and dressing, preparing and feeding meals, arranging transportation to medical appointments, handling financial and legal matters and much more. They are the ones who help make it possible for older parents, spouses and other loved ones to live independently. Without them, an already stressed system could crumble. 

In 2022, we helped make finding and providing care easier by increasing options in homes and communities. We pushed for reforms to help family caregivers balance care duties at home with demands of the workplace. And we made progress on initiatives to educate and train family caregivers. 

All told, 44 states around the country — red, blue and purple — approved 176 measures to make life easier for family caregivers and their loved ones, all championed by AARP state offices.

The lengthy list of our achievements to support family caregivers included measures to:

Protect or expand services at home and in the community, which are of great value to family caregivers and their loved ones. Arizona, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee and Vermont were among the 44 states that made significant strides forward. 

Strengthen or launch paid-leave programs, which enable working family caregivers to take time off without sacrificing their job security. California, Connecticut, Maryland and Delaware passed legislation affirming this crucial option. 

Enable hard-pressed family caregivers to get some relief. Alabama and Montana approved state budgets for respite services, which provide support so family caregivers can take a much-needed break.

Equip family caregivers with crucial information about their care responsibilities. Georgia lawmakers agreed to provide training for family caregivers for the critical period after loved ones come home from the hospital.