AARP: Valuing the Invaluable 2023 Update, Strengthening Supports for Family Caregivers
Proposal Overview
Name: AARP: Valuing the Invaluable 2023 Update, Strengthening Supports for Family Caregivers
Year: 2023
Sponsoring Organization and Key Author(s):
Sponsoring Organization:
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that provides resources, advocacy, and services to support the interests of Americans age 50 and older.
Key Authors:
Susan Reinhard, Selena Caldera, Ari Houser, and Rita Choula
Program Details
Overview: Report summarizes the current issues confronting family caregivers, attempts to “measure” the financial contribution they make, and describes recent federal and state initiatives to better serve family caregivers. Report offers policy recommendations to provide financial relief and other support for family caregivers.
Recommendations for Congress are summarized below.
Major Legislative Recommendations
Expand/Enhance Caregiver Programs
Medicaid
Recommends all publicly funded HCBS programs use participant directed service models that permit payment to family caregivers. These models allow consumers and their families to choose and direct the types of services and supports that best meet their needs and preferences.
Other
Recommends policymakers ensure all publicly funded programs and caregiver support services account for the diverse needs of family caregivers and care recipients, particularly for racial and ethnic minority caregivers.
Financial Supports for Family Caregivers
Tax Credit/Deduction for Caregiver Expenses
Recommends a federal or state tax credit to provide financial assistance and relief to family caregivers.
Training and Education
Caregiving Training
Recommends training care providers to use culturally appropriate caregiver assessments that avoid bias and disparities.
Workplace Supports
Expanded Family Medical Leave
Recommends strengthening the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) by: (1) expanding protections to employers with fewer than 50 employees; (2) covering all primary caregivers, including all family and affinity relationships; (3) making FML paid; and (4) requiring employers to provide a reasonable number of earned sick days workers can use for caregiving tasks.
Recommends policies that include flexible work options, such as telecommuting and use of leave to support employed family caregivers.
Protections Against Discrimination
Recommends policies that prohibit discrimination against workers with family caregiving responsibilities. Requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to family caregivers without retaliation.
Retirement/Social Security
Recommends policymakers consider reforms to preserve and improve Social Security benefits for family caregivers.