The Rising Tide of Family Caregiving: Actions for an Aging America

In the landscape of American public health, a critical role has emerged that is at once invisible and indispensable. As the nation’s population ages, the prevalence of chronic diseases escalates, and family caregivers have stepped up to fill a widening gap. Yet, despite their vital contributions, these everyday heroes often go unrecognized and unpaid. This needs to change.

The Urgent Need for Family Caregiver Recognition

Family caregivers provide essential support allow seniors and individuals with chronic illnesses to remain in their homes and communities, offering services ranging from preparing meals and paying bills to arranging critical medical care. This keeps our healthcare system from being overrun, while also providing better quality of life for our loved ones. However, these remarkable efforts are subject to financial and emotional stress, as most caregivers balance demanding careers, family obligations, and caregiving duties without so much as a thank you.

National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers

Thankfully, recent developments give reason for hope, such as the RAISE (Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, Engage) Family Caregivers Act. This Act birthed a promising National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers which ensures they receive the needed assistance to carry on their essential work. This top-down approach now enjoys broad bipartisan support among voters too and potentially offer direct support in terms of tax benefits, paid leave and other incentives.

Unpaid Family Caregivers Filling the $600 Billion Gap

The U.S. healthcare system has a significant shortcoming – it doesn’t cover the costs of long-term care. Consequently, families bear the burden of caring for their parents, spouses, children, and other loved ones. According to the AARP, the value of the “free” services that family caregivers provide is worth a staggering $600 billion. This figure is a testament to the immense contribution these individuals bring to the table — but it also speaks of a tremendous personal cost. With the escalating expenses coupled with career sacrifices, more needs to be done to support these caregivers.

Empowering Caregivers for Retirement

With the introduction of new bills, such as the Credit for Caring Act, the Improving Retirement Security for Family Caregivers Act, and the Catching Up Family Caregivers Act, positive change could be on the horizon. They would make it easier for family caregivers to save for retirement, by providing a tax credit for care-related expenses and offering the option to make catch-up contributions to retirement plans – a choice usually reserved for those aged 50 and above.

The “Sandwich Generation”: Balancing Act

The term “sandwich generation” accurately captures the plight of 35 – to 64-year-old Americans, trying to balance their parental duties with those of their aging parents. Often, they shoulder an equivalent of part-time or full-time job hours on caregiving alone, along with their regular employment. As a result, not only is their physical and mental health at risk, but their careers, job opportunities, and retirement savings also suffer.

Supporting Caregivers: A Broader Strategy

Supporting family caregivers is an essential part of a larger strategy to reduce costs to public health programs. Through legislation, tax credits, and other measures, it could be possible to ease the burden on family caregivers while ensuring their loved ones receive the necessary aid. These actions, along with continued recognition of the invaluable contribution family caregivers provide, can help us to better serve our aging population and those who care for them.

Ultimately, as we navigate the complex issues of an aging society, it is essential to remember that behind every statistic and policy effort, there are real people making real sacrifices. They deserve our acknowledgment, our support, and, most of all, our respect.

Originally Post From https://www.elderlawanswers.com/support-for-family-caregiving-gains-momentum-20836

* This article was originally published here

Elder Law Answers Elevates Support for Family Caregiving