AARP Hearing Center
Congress and Caregiving
Senators and representatives share caregiving stories and how caring for a loved one shapes their work on Capitol Hill
There are 48 million unpaid family caregivers in the U.S. — including many members of Congress — who are working hard to use their firsthand knowledge to improve our caregiving system. Here are their stories:
Rep. Kat Cammack
As the wife of a first responder, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) sees the stresses and pressures that family caregivers face — both in her district and across the state.
More Ways to Benefit
- Related Benefit 1
- Related Benefit 2
- Related Benefit 3
- Related Benefit 4
- Related Benefit 5
Sen. Maggie Hassan
Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and her husband are caregivers for their adult son, Ben, who was born with cerebral palsy and needs round-the-clock care for all his daily tasks.
Sen. Ed Markey
Sen. Ed Markey’s (D-MA) father was a family caregiver for his wife after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, caring for her in their home in Malden, Massachusetts.
Sen. Thom Tillis
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) became a caregiver for his grandmother when she was no longer able to live independently, and knows firsthand how difficult caregiving can be.
Rep. Katherine Clark
When she started in Congress, Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) was a sandwich caregiver — caring for her three kids and two aging parents who lived nearby.
Rep. Judy Chu
Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) was a caregiver for her sister, who had Lewy Body Dementia. She knows about the stresses and financial challenges many family caregivers face.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) was a family caregiver for both of her parents as they aged. She experienced how important it is for family caregivers to take care of themselves, too.
Rep. Mike Carey
Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH) has been on the frontlines of caregiving, watching his mother care for a spouse with cancer and following a stroke.
AARP Membership
Join AARP for only $15 per year with automatic renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of benefits, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.
More From AARP
America’s Nursing Home Residents and the OBBBA
New moratoriums, funding cuts and eligibility restrictions for some of the nation’s most vulnerable