Valuing the Invaluable -- NC caregivers contribute $13.4 billion in uncompensated care

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.

"With family members help, health care payers like insurance companies and the state also save billions," explains AARP Associate State Director Charmaine-Fuller Cooper, one guest on this week's show.

"So what can we do to make sure their is workplace flexibility and other support to help family caregivers continue to provide support to their loved ones?"

Joining the show this week, Real Life will talk to report's lead author Susan Reinhard who explains what the findings mean for caregivers today, and how smart policy decisions can help meet the needs of workers and others who juggle other responsibilities with providing care.

Need support right away? Make sure to visit AARP's Caregiving Resource Center to find support, locate resources and connect with experts.

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