National Family Caregivers Month: How We're Fighting for You in Oklahoma

Right now, there are an estimated 524,000 family caregivers in Oklahoma providing 488 million hours of care. That equals about $6 billion in unpaid care annually for older parents, spouses and other loved ones to help them stay at home—and out of costly institutions. That's why AARP Oklahoma fights for commonsense solutions to give our caregivers support, resources, training and more.

In Oklahoma, we're focusing on:

Teleheath: Oklahoma is a national leader in the regulatory environment for telehealth, but there's still work to do. Chronic disease management is one of the best uses for telehealth as it frees up caregiver time and keeps patients at home, healthier, for longer. This can ease the burden on caregivers and health systems as a whole. AARP Oklahoma is looking for ways to expand the adoption of and regulatory environment for telehealth.

CARE Act: Oklahoma was the first in the nation to pass the CARE Act. We will be looking for ways to expand an enhance the CARE Act to help caregivers get the knowledge and resources they need to provide the best care they can for their loved ones.

FREE RESOURCES FOR YOU:

Oklahoma Caregiver Resource Guide

A starting point to help you find the services and supports you need throughout your caregiving journey. Call 1-866-295-7277 or ok-caregiver-resource-guide_final

AARP Prepare to Care Guide

This guide is designed to help you and other family members discuss and create a caregiving plan for yourself or an aging parent, other relative, or close friend or neighbor. Call 1-866-295-7277 or prepare-to-care-guide

AARP's Medicare Guide for Family Caregivers

If you’re caring for family or friends with Medicare, it's important that you know about this health insurance program. Getting to know how Medicare works and how to find information when you need it can help you and those you care for make informed health coverage decisions. Call 1-866-295-7277 or medicare-guide-for-family-caregivers