AARP North Carolina in Washington to Push Robust Agenda on Family Caregiving, Social Security

This week AARP North Carolina President Bob Palombo and State Director Doug Dickerson are in Washington, DC, advocating on behalf of AARP members and all older Americans on the crucial issues of family caregiving and Social Security.

While meeting with members of Congress, AARP asked for their support on two pieces of bipartisan legislation to help family caregivers, the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage ( RAISE) Family Caregivers Act, and the Credit for Caring Act. They also asked members of the House and Senate to join the bipartisan Assisting Caregivers Today (ACT) Caucus.

On the important issue of Social Security AARP is continuing to promote a dialogue about what we can do together to bring about legislative action keep it strong for future generations.

Family Caregiving

“Most of us have been or will be a family caregiver, or will need help to live independently. And, since family caregivers make up the backbone of services for most people, we need more private and public sector solutions that help support those who give care and the people they care for” said Robert Palombo. “We expect this ageless, nonpartisan issue to continue to grow in importance."

In North Carolina, nearly 1.3 million family caregivers provide unpaid care valued at $13.4 billion annually. In recent years, about 40 million family caregivers in the nation have provided unpaid care valued at $470 billion annually, more than total Medicaid spending. Family caregivers also help delay or prevent more costly institutional care and unnecessary hospitalizations, saving taxpayer dollars. They help with daily activities including bathing, dressing, meal preparation, managing medications, and transportation.

There are several efforts on Capitol Hill to help give family caregivers the support they need.

The bipartisan RAISE Family Caregivers Act would require the development of a national strategy to support family caregivers. The bill, introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), has already passed in the Senate. We appreciate Senators X and Y supporting the bill. The House bill, introduced by Representatives Gregg Harper (R-MS) and Kathy Castor (D-FL), has over 60 cosponsors, including Representatives A, B, and C (list cosponsors in your congressional delegation, if any). AARP is urging the House to pass the legislation.