Statement by AARP NC Director Doug Dickerson on legislative developments to support caregivers

“Over the past 48 hours, Governor McCrory and the State Legislature have taken significant first strides towards providing long-needed support for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementia, as well as their family caregivers.

The Governor’s request to reinstate funding for Project CARE will go a long way when it comes to helping the 448,000 people in the state who provide unpaid care for family members with dementia. Although their care is truly a ‘labor of love,’ caregiving is a 24/7 duty and sometimes people just need a short break.

Additionally, AARP is pleased that the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services also supports increased funding for Project CARE, as well as joining the 43 other states that have passed the Uniform Adult Guardianship Act (HB 817), that will make caregiving across state lines easier and save caregivers money. In addition, the Committee supports a Family Caregivers Study (HB 816) which will examine the needs of working family caregivers and their employers.

Moving forward, better support for family caregivers will not only improve the quality of care they provide, it will lead to a more engaged workforce and greater productivity for those caregivers who are balancing the needs of work and jobs with caring for their loved ones.”