Caregiving

For the first time since AARP began publishing the Scorecard in 2011, more than half of Medicaid long-term care dollars nationwide for older adults and people with physical disabilities went to home- and community-based services instead of nursing homes and other institutions.

Lawmakers can pass legislation to shape our state as a place where Texans can live and age well into retirement, whether in the big cities or rural communities.

Through petitions and surveys, AARP is hearing from Texans who want lawmakers to improve nursing home quality, which is why AARP Texas is urging support for SB 1629.

House Bill 300 by Rep. Donna Howard creates a sales-tax exemption for diapers, including adult incontinence supplies.

Volunteering, by definition, is a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service. What that service is, varies for everyone, but for me, it means giving my time to an organization I am passionate about, like AARP. Growing up, I always enjoyed giving back to the community because I knew what a difference it can make not just for others, but also to the volunteer.

Five bills filed in the Texas Legislature would help older Texans thrive.

State law requires nurse practitioners to maintain expensive contracts with doctors, which is limiting access to care in rural areas. AARP Texas is part of Texans for Healthcare Access, a coalition of nearly 40 organizations urging state lawmakers to end the contractual requirement.

AARP Texas is fighting to protect residents of long-term care facilities, urging greater transparency into nursing home ownership and finances.

In March 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us were called into one of the most important and under-recognized roles someone can be: a family caregiver. Thirty months later, we at AARP bring recognition to this role in honor of National Family Caregiver Month and bring to light the importance of these selfless people. The term "family caregiver" refers to the millions of Americans who help their parents, spouses, and other loved ones remain at home. They provide emotional, physical, financial, and companionship to those they care for daily.

Being a caregiver for a loved one can be rewarding but also challenging.