AARP North Carolina

This week AARP released an important survey on the economic value of family caregivers. Family caregivers in North Carolina provided 1.19 billion hours of care—worth an estimated $13.4 billion—to their parents, spouses, partners, and other adult loved ones in 2013, according to AARP Public Policy Institute’s new report, Valuing the Invaluable: 2015 Update. The findings underscore the need for greater support for family caregivers who contribute not only to patient health, but to lowering the overall cost of care.

WASHINGTON, DC — Family caregivers in North Carolina provided 1.19 billion hours of care—worth an estimated $13.4 billion—to their parents, spouses, partners, and other adult loved ones in 2013, according to AARP Public Policy Institute’s new report, Valuing the Invaluable: 2015 Update. The total estimated economic value of uncompensated care provided by the nation’s family caregivers surpassed total Medicaid spending ($449 billion), and nearly equaled the annual sales ($469 billion) of the four largest U.S. tech companies combined (Apple, Hewlett Packard, IBM, and Microsoft) in 2013.

Over 40 North Carolina health care, community leaders and volunteers watched AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins when she joined President Barack Obama and hundreds of leaders focused on aging policy at the White House Conference on Aging (WHCOA) .

CARY – A growing population of older adults in Wake County and other counties across the state are putting new priorities on infrastructure and public spending. When it comes to making cities more age-friendly, sidewalks play a critical role.

ASHEVILLE -- Real Life is on the road again and has recorded this special show in Asheville. This week, you’ll hear from 89 year-old Genevieve Amaral, one of the fine people host Debra Tyler Horton met during her summer travels.

AARP California's Jennifer Hopson is this week's special guest on "Real Life." Jennifer talks about some of the exciting programs and the work of AARP in the Golden State. Whether it is getting people moving and active through a new walking club, helping family caregivers through informational outreach and some pampering, protecting people from fraud, or getting people better prepared to meet the financial demands of retirement, AARP is helping people live the lives they want to live. AARP is also working hard in California to make communities more inclusive to the 50 plus population.

What is AARP doing in other states when it comes to improving multicultural communities? How are AARP state offices working to help meet the needs of family caregivers and those taking care of their loved ones? How is it helping people picture their own retirement by helping them save more, and protecting them from fraud, scams and elder abuse?

AARP volunteers delivered approximately 700 letters from voters across the state asking their leaders in the General Assembly for fully restored, uncapped medical deductions for people of all ages, as well as funding for the Home and Community Block Grant program in the final budget.

The North Carolina House and Senate have major differences in their budget bills when it comes to meeting the needs of family caregivers and those with high medical costs. Earlier this month, the House approved budget reinstated the NC medical expense tax deduction that helps protect people from the impact of high medical expenses. They also restored one million dollars in funding that was taken away from the Home and Community Care Block Grant program that supports programs that help people age in their own homes.

When the state Senate revealed its budget proposal Monday night, it did NOT include fully-restored, uncapped medical deductions, or increased funding for the Home and Community Care Block Grant that helps people live independently in their own homes. Instead, the Senate proposed a $20,000 combined cap for all itemized deductions and no change to the Block Grant funding.