NY Legislators Share Their Experiences to Mark National Family Caregivers Month

By Andre Hidalgo , November 10, 2022 09:16 AM

November is National Family Caregivers Month and AARPNY reached out to New York Legislators so they can share their experiences on being a family caregiver. 75% of New York’s unpaid family caregivers are feeling stressed by having to balance their job and family.

Did you know that 80% of New York registered voters 50 and over - including over 70% of Republicans, Democrats and independents – think their elected representatives should increase funding for respite programs to provide family caregivers a much-needed break?

Stress and support for respite funding are what AARP New York found in a statewide telephone survey of 1,201 registered voters age 50-plus, over 500 of whom identified as current or former caregivers, released in January.

Several state lawmakers and New York City Council Members spoke by video with AARP New York about their own experiences as family caregivers in honor of National Family Caregivers Month.

They are among 2.5 million New Yorkers who provide unpaid care to family members and other loved ones. It’s a common but unsung labor of love that helps our parents, grandparents, spouses and other loved ones age with dignity in their own homes and communities.

Check out videos from each legislator to learn more about their personal experiences on being a family caregiver:

1. Council Member Crystal Hudson: NYC District 35