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AARP HONORS STATE SENATOR CAROL LIU AS A “CAPITOL CAREGIVER”

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To recognize her work in support California’s family caregivers, AARP has named State Senator Carol Liu (SD 25) a 2015 “Capitol Caregiver,” joining a bipartisan group of state legislators and governors from across the nation. These elected officials have advanced policies to help family caregivers, whose dedication to their loved ones make it possible for older Americans to remain living in their own homes — where they want to be.

Senator Liu is the author of the California Hospital and Family Caregiver Law (SB 675), which was passed by the legislature and signed by Governor Brown late last year.

“On behalf of more than 3 million AARP members in California, I would like to express our gratitude to Senator Liu for being a champion for California’s family caregivers,” said Nancy McPherson, AARP’s California State Director. “Senator Liu has provided critical leadership in authoring the California Hospital and Family Caregiver Law , which provides critical help to family caregivers by requiring hospitals to share vital information and provide proper training for family caregivers before discharging a patient.”

More than 4 million Californians provide unpaid care for their older loved ones as family caregivers—work that, if paid, would be valued at about $47 BILLION annually. Family caregivers help with bathing and dressing, meal preparation, managing finances, transportation, grocery shopping and more. Family caregivers often also perform medical tasks like wound care, injections, and complex medication management.

“Family caregiving is one of these rare issues that crosses geographic and political lines, said McPherson. “This isn’t a political or partisan issue -- it’s a family issue.”

AARP staff and volunteer leaders presented Senator Liu with her “Capitol Caregiver” certificate in her State Capitol office on Wednesday, January 6 th.

To also recognize America’s silent army of family caregivers, AARP launched “I Heart Caregivers,” a website where family caregivers can share their stories: aarp.org/iheartcaregivers.

 

 

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