HOW WE’RE FIGHTING FOR YOU
AARP Takes on Caregiving
ONE IN 4 ADULTS in the U.S. provide care for another adult or a child with special medical needs. That’s 63 million Americans. Caregiving can be rewarding, but it comes with challenges. That’s why AARP is committed to supporting family caregivers at every step.
Caregiving is part of our DNA at AARP. Our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, was a family caregiver. For decades AARP has been working to make the caregiving journey easier, more informed and well supported.
Here’s how we are helping:
▶︎ Supporting caregivers. AARP offers tools and information to help family caregivers navigate the health care system, manage financial and legal responsibilities, and make time for their own well-being. Millions of caregivers turn to aarp.org/caregiving for expert articles and downloadable, state-specific guides. And many find support through our active AARP Family Caregivers Discussion Group on Facebook.
▶︎ Connecting locally. Our state offices host more than 1,200 events each year, from educational workshops to caregiver meetups, often in partnership with local organizations and volunteers. Go to aarp.org/localcaregiving to find events near you. We’re also teaming up with United Way Worldwide and 211 to expand access to caregiving support. In over 40 percent of the country, caregivers who call 211 are connected with specially trained agents who offer local referrals for services like transportation, food delivery, home safety and more.
▶︎ Advocating for change. AARP supports three bipartisan bills before Congress that would save family caregivers time and money. Credit for Caring Act: Would offer up to $5,000 in federal tax credits to help cover caregiving expenses for eligible working caregivers. Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act: Would allow caregivers to use health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts for a parent’s or parent-in-law’s qualified medical expenses. Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act: Would streamline government forms and processes to reduce red tape.
▶︎ Growing support. Sixty percent of family caregivers work outside the home. AARP is raising awareness among employers and health care providers to better support these caregivers. Thousands of employers now offer AARP caregiving resources to their staff. AARP volunteers and experts have delivered education in hundreds of workplaces. We’re also working with major health care systems to make caregivers part of the care team. Visit aarp.org/healthcareprofessionals to find out more. —Bob Stephen, AARP vice president, health and caregiving
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