Every day, more than 330,000 unpaid family caregivers in Iowa assist their loved ones with everything from medical care and finances to chores and transportation. On average, family caregivers spend $7,200 a year out of their own pockets on care-related costs. Polling has shown a majority of voters are more likely to support a candidate who backs proposals to support family caregivers, such as tax credits, paid family leave and respite services.
AARP traveled across Iowa on a “Cruisin’ for Caregivers” RV tour to hear from all eight candidates for Congress on how they plan to support unpaid family caregivers. In each district, the candidate met with a family caregiver to learn more about their challenges and discuss potential solutions. Candidates had 30 seconds to explain how they would help family caregivers if elected.