Caregiving

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

"I had a rude awakening when my mother passed away in March of this year."

A collaboration among AARP Alaska and several community partners is giving new insights on how to recognize dementia and care for those who have it.

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.

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.