AARP Announces 2018 Capitol Caregivers

It’s no surprise by now that many Americans feel their voices aren’t being heard and the issues that affect their lives aren’t being addressed, but there are some outstanding elected officials who work hard every day to make a positive difference for their constituents.

That’s why AARP recognizes state legislators, governors, and other elected officials – from both sides of the aisle – who have stepped up and worked together to write, support, and advance common-sense policies that help older Americans remain in their homes and communities.

AARP is proud to announce our fifth annual bipartisan class of Capitol Caregivers, who fought this year to increase support for family caregivers and their loved ones.

Capitol Caregivers

Every day, more than 40 million Americans help aging parents, spouses, children with disabilities and other loved ones with a host of tasks that help them live independently in their homes and communities – things like assisting with bathing and dressing, preparing meals, driving to doctor visits, paying bills, and administering medication and other medical tasks. About 60 percent of them balance their caregiving responsibilities with full- or part-time jobs, and some are also raising families.

AARP is fighting for common-sense solutions to make these big responsibilities a little bit easier, and we’ve seen real progress in states across the country.

AARP’s 2018 class of Capitol Caregivers includes 58 state legislators and 6 governors from more than 20 states who championed policies that:

Support family caregivers when their loved ones are admitted to the hospital and as they transition home;
Give nurse practitioners the full authority to heal by cutting through the red tape that prevents them from doing their jobs;
Help working caregivers balance responsibilities at home and work with workplace flexibility and paid and unpaid leave policies;
Update state guardianship laws to protect vulnerable adults better and provide family caregivers and other legal guardians more training and support;
Provide caregivers with the tools they need to make important financial decisions through power of attorney laws;
Break down the barriers that limit access to telehealth options using digital information and communication technologies, like computers and mobile devices;
And protect or increase the number of older adults who have access to state-funded services at home, like home care and adult day care.

A list of AARP’s 2018 Capitol Caregivers and the legislation they championed can be found here.

More work to do

In 2019, AARP will continue to work with elected state leaders across the country to fight for the issues that matter to you and your families. To stay up-to-date on our progress, or get involved, sign up here.