Media Advisory: March 27 AARP Quad Cities Caregiver Forum

What:
Public forum to introduce new AARP caregiver resources and programs, share state survey findings on
the wants and needs of Iowa family caregivers, and connect attendees to local services and supports.

Who: 
Anthony Carroll, AARP Iowa Associate State Director for Advocacy
Dawn Carstensen, Milestones Area Agency on Aging
Bill Horrell, Alzheimer’s Association
Quad Cities area residents and family caregivers

When:            11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2015

Where:           Center for Active Seniors Inc., CASI, 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport

*Availability:  AARP leaders are available immediately before or after the event to comment on the new survey findings and AARP advocacy work this session on Senate File 465, The Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act.

Background:   
Today in Iowa, a silent army of more than 540,000 family caregivers makes up the backbone of our state’s long-term care system providing two-thirds of home and community-based care for older Iowans and adults with disabilities, valued at $4.1 billion. A new AARP survey of Iowa voters age 45 and over finds about half of Iowans surveyed have been caregivers and most all Iowans over age 45 expect to fulfill that duty in the future. The survey also found that more than half of Iowa’s caregivers suffered emotional stress while about half had difficulties balancing work and home duties, getting enough rest or getting enough exercise.
To address caregiver needs, AARP Iowa is working toward passage of The CARE Act, Senate File 465, in the Iowa General Assembly. This legislation is designed to help ensure Iowa family caregivers are recognized and receive support in helping their loved ones transition between hospitalization and recovery at home. Recent polling shows that more than 80 percent of Iowa registered voters age 45 and older support measures in The CARE Act.

 

Contact:
Ann Black, ablack@aarp.org
515.707.1287 @ablackann