Caregiving

For the first time since AARP began publishing the Scorecard in 2011, more than half of Medicaid long-term care dollars nationwide for older adults and people with physical disabilities went to home- and community-based services instead of nursing homes and other institutions.

AARP continues fighting to protect nursing home and other long-term care facility residents, improve quality of care, and provide better options for seniors to receive long-term care services at home.

No matter where you are in the caregiver journey, these local agencies and organizations can help make the process easier

Caring for a parent, spouse, or other loved one can be a 24/7 job that is emotionally, physically and financially difficult. That’s why AARP works tirelessly to support family caregivers, striving to make your big responsibilities a little bit easier.

by Ken Helander, AARP Alaska

Bipartisan bill would develop a strategy to support family caregivers

WASHINGTON, DC — AARP’s recent survey shows that positive emotions far outweigh negative emotions for both family caregivers and care recipients. Family caregivers report more positive emotions despite half feeling stressed or worried and care recipients report more positive emotions despite 6 out of 10 feeling less independent. The survey also found that family caregivers who felt more prepared to take on their role were more likely to report positive emotions than negative.

About 85,000 Alaskans are caring for an older parent, spouse, or other loved one, helping them to live independently. These family caregivers have a huge responsibility, and now there’s support in place that will make life a little bit easier for them.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has designated October as Long- Term Care Planning Month in an effort to raise awareness about long- term care. Research estimates about 70 percent of people who are 65 and older are going to require long- term care in their lifetime. While it may seem overwhelming to think about this topic, especially if the need is not yet there, now is a good time to start looking at options rather than waiting.

If you live in Juneau, you are invited to a free public lecture “Finding a Better Path to the End of Life” by Dr. Jessica Nutik Zitter on Tuesday, October 3 at 6:30 p.m. Centennial Hall.