AARP Supports Increased Funding for Respite Care

AARP offers these views in increasing funding to help family caregivers in New Hampshire.

AARP wants better support for family caregivers who bear the brunt of caregiving in New Hampshire.  Although Medicaid is a major funder of long-term care in New Hampshire, there are 173,000 family caregivers providing care that is valued at over $2 billion a year.

This care is irreplaceable and we must do more to support these caregivers by providing respite and other supports so they can continue caring for their loved ones.  AARP also supports providing increased funding in the budget for family caregiver support services.

Adding funds to the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders fund will provide important support.  The amount in the fund has been flat for at least the last three budget cycles.  Right now, in Rockingham County (the second largest county in the state), there are no funds left in this account, which should last through this fiscal year, which ends in June.

There’s more.  The amount currently allocated per person is $1,500 per year, which is not adequate to support people who are taking care of loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

We should and can do more to support these family caregivers.