Legislation Would Recognize Caregivers' Rights

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At any given time, about 770,000 Marylanders are taking care of aging or ailing loved ones. But who’s looking out for the caregivers?

AARP Maryland is urging lawmakers to pass a Caregivers Bill of Rights during the 2014 legislative session. The measure calls for the right to work for an understanding, supportive employer; to expect legislators to acknowledge the value of caregivers’ volunteer service and help ease the burden through tax credits; to expect medical professionals to recognize the caregiver’s critical role on a frail person’s health care team; and to easily find helpful resources.

Want to help pass the bill or tell your caregiving story? Email Tammy Bresnahan, AARP associate state director for advocacy, at tbresnahan@aarp.org. The stories could help lawmakers understand the caregiver’s plight.