Caregiving

More than 123,000 Delawareans care for older parents, spouses, children and adults with disabilities or other loved ones, helping them to live independently in their homes and communities – where they want to be.

I recently had the opportunity to join the dynamic staff and volunteers at AARP for their annual Lobby Day at Legislative Hall in Dover. It was my first time in my new role as AARP Delaware State President. The person in this top volunteer role represents AARP to a variety of governmental, corporate and community partners in the state and helps drive the mission of AARP – to make life better for those over age 50, and their families.

Our Special Online Sessions Can Help You Balance Them

Each day, more than 123,000 Delawareans serve as caregivers for family members. Families are doing their best to care for loved ones at home. But they cannot do it alone. They need help to balance work, family and caregiving. Why does Delaware law say you cannot have a nurse’s aide come into your home and administer medicines to your loved one while you’re at work? AARP and a coalition of partners want to change this law, and let families get real help at home.

Our online Q&A sessions can help you keep your loved one secure.

Beginning April 1, 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will begin mailing NEW Medicare cards to all people with Medicare health insurance. CMS, Delaware's Division of Health and Social Services, with other statewide partners, will be presenting information about this and many other services available to Delaware residents with Medicare. Mark your calendar, and bring a friend:

Strokes, surgeries, and trauma from falls or other injuries sometimes result in patients needing extensive care by physical, occupational or speech therapists. But because of inaction by Congress, many seniors on Medicare are facing expensive out-of-pocket costs for treatments they need to remain independent.

Join two live webinars to find out how to identify and react to changes in your loved one’s behavior

Caregiving is challenging, as Delaware’s 123,000 unpaid family caregivers can attest. Home health aides can provide needed support with tasks such as bathing, dressing and feeding. But because state law does not allow these workers to administer medications, family caregivers often have to leave work to do it themselves.

Each day, thousands of Delawareans serve as caregivers for family members. These family caregivers often have full-time day jobs; they return home from work to provide evening care, or dash home at lunch to check in on loved ones. They provide trusted care to those they hold most dear—an emotionally challenging, but critical, role in our society.