AARP New York Pushes for Caregiver Support

Source: AARP.org | October 15, 2007

AARP New York is pushing for increased funding for supportive services for family caregivers in the 2008 budget, just as the state's newly created Family Caregiver Council begins to assess how to improve such services.

"Family caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system," says Lois Aronstein, AARP state director.

An AARP Public Policy Institute study released in June estimates that family caregiving in New York is worth $24 billion, yet this work often comes with hidden costs.

The study found that family caregivers are more likely than noncaregivers to suffer chronic health conditions, arrive late to work and incur medical debt.

AARP New York would like to hear from you.

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