Supporting Family Caregivers in Minnesota

Caring for a parent, spouse, or other loved one can be a 24/7 job that is emotionally, physically and financially difficult. That’s why AARP works tirelessly to support family caregivers, striving to make your big responsibilities a little bit easier.

RESOURCES

Minnesota Caregiver Resource Guide
AARP is here to help with information and resources on caregiver life balance, financial and legal issues, care at home, health.

Community Resource Finder
Easily access a comprehensive listing of dementia and aging-related resources such as care providers, programs and services available in a specified area.

Quick Tips for Caregivers
Check out how to use simple household items to solve everyday challenges

FIGHTING FOR YOU

New Law to Prevent Elder Abuse

While long-term care facilities provide important care for many Minnesota seniors, these seniors have also been vulnerable to abuse. The Elder Abuse and Prevention Act, passed in 2019, became effective on August 1, 2021. AARP and its members played a crucial role in advocating for the passage of the law that provides for both assisted living licensure and comprehensive rights for residents and their families in assisted living and nursing homes. The new law requires assisted living facilities to be licensed and sets minimum standards around safety, staffing, and training requirements, including protections for people with dementia.


The law also establishes strong protections against arbitrary discharges, retaliation, and the right to place a camera in both nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

If you suspect abuse, contact:

• Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) at 1-844-880-1574.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-657-3591 (TDD/TTY, please call 711).

To join the fight for family caregivers and their loved ones, sign up to be an e-activist.

New Law Creates Caregiver Advisory Committee
AARP’s National Volunteer President Catherine Alicia Georges serves on the RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council, created by a bipartisan federal law that AARP fought hard to pass. The Council is charged with developing a national strategy to support family caregivers that includes communities, providers, government, and others. Learn more about the RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council.


CARE Act Supports Family Caregivers
AARP Minnesota fought for the CARE (Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable) Act, which helps family caregivers when their loved ones go into the hospital and as they transition home. The CARE Act requires hospitals to:

• Provide your loved one the opportunity to designate a family caregiver in the medical record.
• Notify the family caregiver when your loved one is to be discharged to another facility or back home.
• Give description and instruction of the medical tasks that the family caregiver will need to perform at home.

Download Your CARE Act Wallet Card today!

SHARE YOUR STORY

Join the thousands of family caregivers have shared their experiences through AARP’s storytelling initiative, I Heart Caregivers. Your story will help AARP continue to fight for more support for family caregivers, including help at home, workplace flexibility, training, and relief in your state. Learn more and share your story!