Steve Hahn

Let me introduce you to a family caregiver, Lisa from Hawaii. With the help of her sister, Lisa cared for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease — managing medications, cleaning the house, and handling any medical issues. They also managed her mother’s finances. Lisa shared: “It felt like our whole world was slowly falling apart. At the time we did not know much about the disease or how quickly it was going to debilitate her. My sister and I took responsibility of making sure that she was provided for.”

RALEIGH, NC – North Carolina ranks 38 th overall when it comes to services available for our aging population, and AARP warns more must be done, at an accelerated pace, to meet changing demographic demands. Even worse, NC’s support for family caregivers, especially those in families with long-term diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson's, ranks just eight slots from the bottom. This, according to a new, comprehensive state-by-state Scorecard from AARP with support of the nation’s leading organizations behind quality long-term care, The Commonwealth Fund and SCAN Foundation.

This week North Carolina budget leaders head behind closed doors to negotiate differences between the State House and Senate versions of the budget. While the budget negotiations won’t be a shootout in the old west for now, several budget items will need to be negotiated before both chambers can approve a plan that must then be sent to the Governor for final approval before June 30 th.

By Jim Buchanan

AARP is fighting to improve North Carolinians access to affordable health care, in their communities, by cutting through the bureaucratic red tape that prevents nurse practitioners—and all advanced practice registered nurses—from doing their jobs.

By Doug Dickerson, State Director, AARP North Carolina

Lorri’s Story

AARP shared this letter with Members of Congress on Wednesday. Those concerned about the effects of the new AHCA plan, are urged to call their Representative today via this advocacy hotline: #1-844-866-1425.

Why anyone would attempt to revive a health care reform bill that sank into the waters of the Potomac just weeks ago is a puzzler.

Having a loved one in the hospital can be a stressful and emotional experience — especially if you don’t have the support you need. Each day, 40 million family caregivers help older parents, spouses, children with disabilities and other loved ones live independently at home. They help with bathing and dressing, manage finances, stand by their loved one’s side when they go into the hospital, care for them when they return home, and so much more.