Caregiving

Demographic trends suggest that if you aren’t a family caregiver now – you will be someday!

The Delaware Legislature passed Senate Bill 52 last night, the CARE Act, which provides more supports for unpaid family caregivers. The bill was heavily supported by a statewide coalition that included AARP, the Delaware Aging Network, Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter, Delaware Association of Home and Community Care, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Alumnae, and Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council, along with numerous other healthcare and social service agencies. Hospitals in the state gave their support of the bill after an amendment was introduced which gave immunity to healthcare providers.

Right now, the Delaware State House is considering Senate Bill 52, the CARE Act, which would help family caregivers and their loved ones. Now AARP is asking you to contact your Representative in support of SB 52.

The silent and dedicated army of 123,000 unpaid caregivers in Delaware have some hope on the horizon. That’s thanks to Delaware’s Senate, who recently introduced the CARE Act into this year’s Legislative session for vote. The bill, Senate Bill 52, is moving to the House for vote soon. The bill would provide more support for caregivers and will make it easier for those receiving care to remain at home – which is where they want to be.

This week, AARP State President Rashmi Rangan and AARP State Director Lucretia Young headed to Washington to advocate on behalf of AARP members and all older Americans on the crucial issues of Family Caregiving and Social Security. While meeting with Senator Carper, Senator Coons and Representative Carney, they will have crucial asks:

Right now, the Delaware Legislature is considering Senate Bill 52, the CARE Act, which would help family caregivers and their loved ones. AARP is asking our members to contact their Senators in support of SB 52.

AARP and a team of supporters spent January 27, 2016 at Legislative Hall in Dover advocating for better support for caregivers. The group met with legislators including CARE Act sponsors Senator Bethany Hall-Long and House Majority Leader Valerie Longhurst. The group provided valuable information on the CARE Act, which will help make it possible for older Delawareans and other loved ones to live at home and in their own communities – which is where they want to be.

AARP recognizes the unpaid family caregivers who help their loved ones remain in their own homes and communities. There are more than 120,000 in Delaware – who help older parents, spouses, and other loved ones live independently at home, where they want to be. The unpaid care they provide – managing medications, cooking meals, driving to appointments, performing complex medical tasks and more – is valued at about $1.58 billion in Delaware alone.

Senate Bills 57 and 101 passed the Senate during the 2015 legislative session in Delaware. The two bills, both pertaining to Nursing Scope of Practice, were signed by Governor Markell on September 1st. AARP commends these two bills because they improve access to care and expand consumer choice.

On Friday, September 11, 2015, AARP Delaware will dedicate a room for caregivers at the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware as part of the “Adopt-a-Room” program. AARP State President Rashmi Rangan will present a check to Ronald McDonald House CEO Pam Cornforth during a press conference at the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware at 11:00 am. Delaware Secretary of Health and Social Services Rita Landgraf will also speak on the importance of supporting caregivers.