Caregiving

Caregivers, a silent army of unsung heroes, need information, emotional support and access to resources.

Lawmakers recently approved an increase of 15 percent, or $2.5 million, in state dollars for non-Medicaid in-home senior services through September 2017. AARP Michigan pressed for the additional funding.

Washington, DC — Family caregivers spend an average of nearly 20 percent of their income providing care for a family member or other loved one, according to a new AARP Research Report, “ Family Caregiving and Out-of-Pocket Costs: 2016 Report.”

By Rick Haglund

Caregiving may be one of the most important roles you will ever take on in your life. You may have become a caregiver suddenly or perhaps your role has evolved over time. No matter where you are in the continuum of caregiving—starting to plan, helping to coordinate a big move, or taking care of a family member in your home—having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.

The AARP state office wants Michiganders to know about a new law that aims to improve communication between hospitals and family caregivers.

The eightWest daily talk show for women on WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids featured a segment June 29 on the CARE Act, a new law that helps family caregivers when their loved ones are admitted to the hospital.

About 1.3 million Michiganders care for older parents or other loved ones, helping them to live independently in their own homes.

Lead volunteer and staff from Michigan headed to Washington this week to advocate on behalf of AARP members and all older Americans on the crucial issues of Family Caregiving and Social Security.

By Lisa Whitmore Davis, AARP Michigan