There’s an incredibly good idea being considered in Lansing. It’s the creation and implementation of a statewide Caregiver Resource Center model for families and friends caring for their loved ones. It’s a one-time investment with the fund source identified, planned and available. This is a no-brainer.
We all know people trying to figure out the best way to help their loved ones. Just this week I got yet another call from someone wanting to support a 96 year old father fully able to take care for himself but now needing help with regular light housekeeping in order to spend six weeks at a summer home. Did I have any ideas?
A link and brainstorming chat with professionals manning Area Agency on Aging’s (AAA) Info-Line for Aging & Disability at 1-800-654-2810 provided ideas and empowered the family to action. Our local AAA is outstanding.
In Michigan there are 16 organizations designated as Area Agencies on Aging covering all geographies; every county and municipality in the state. All have services to support family caregivers. There are outstanding initiatives happening everywhere, but they all might look a little different. Having a well-known centralized number accessing AAA counterparts statewide, as well as helping people link to the Info-Line in southwest Michigan, would be a godsend to many.
In Michigan, 23 percent of the population, about 1.73 million people are identified as caregivers, higher than the national average. AARP’s recently updated “Valuing the Invaluable” report for 2021 shows family caregivers providing 36 billion hours of unpaid care worth more than $600 billion.
Findings show the average caregiver spends more than $7200 out-of-pocket annually for transportation and other needs. Sixty-one percent work either full or part-time. Caregivers need to know what resources are out there, if there’s financial support available, tips on paying privately and what to expect. Need for a statewide Caregiver Resource Center has been called for multiple times.
In October ’22, a team from Michigan participated in a John A. Hartford Foundation/ Michigan Health Endowment Fund project to support family caregivers. The Center for Health Care Strategies, directing the study, recommended Michigan create a statewide educational clearinghouse linked to Area Agency on Aging regions statewide.
In September ’22 the U.S Dept of Health and Human Service, Administration for Community Living created a national strategy in response to the RAISE Family Caregiver Act of 2017 to increase awareness, build partnerships with caregivers, and strengthen services and supports. Supporting family caregivers was cited as “…an urgent public health issue, exacerbated by the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In September ’21 the Center for Health and Research Transformation (CHRT) of the University of Michigan conducted a scan of family and informal caregiver support programs across the state and found that only a handful of caregivers found their way to solid information and services. The report recommends a large-scale awareness campaign to reach people who may not recognize they are caregivers and cites support for AAAs and other organizations identifying and supporting this work.
The list goes on and on as the need for caregiving rises across the country and the number of people needing information skyrockets. The proposed Caregiver Resource Center makes so much sense. I’m very excited about this prospect.
May has been national Older Americans Month by presidential decree for many years. At varied legislative forums and events this month, our state Representatives and Senators have openly expressed respect and desire for support of the invaluable work of family caregivers.
Consolidating best practices across the state and improving awareness of caregiver services and support via well publicized easy access is a no-b huge payoffs. If this resonates with you, voice your support to your elected official(s) to say you’ve heard about the Caregiver Resource Center proposal and are enthusiastic about it. Your voice matters.
If there are questions, call AAA for more information.