CONTRIBUTED BY
AARP ALABAMA
MONTGOMERY —
The unpaid care provided by the 700,000 family caregivers in Alabama is valued at $8.3 billion, according to new state data available in AARP’s latest report in the Valuing the Invaluable series. This is an increase of $1.2 billion in unpaid contributions since the last report was released in 2019.
The report highlights the growing scope and complexity of family caregiving and highlights actions needed to address the many challenges of caring for parents, spouses and other loved ones.
“Family caregivers play a vital role in Alabama’s health care system, whether they care for someone at home, coordinate home health care or help care for someone who lives in a nursing home,” said Candi Williams, AARP Alabama state director. “We want to make sure all family caregivers have the financial, emotional and social support they need because the care they provide is invaluable both to those receiving it and to their community.”
AARP Alabama is advocating for and will continue to advocate for family caregivers and the loved ones they care for. Right now, AARP is urging the state legislature to support family caregivers and expand home care options in the new 2023 legislative session. Specifically:
• Provide greater access to respite care, training and support services for family caregivers.
• Expand home- and community-based services and supports, increase equity in the long-term care system and build a quality workforce.
• Improve the access to and affordability of services and supports that allow people to live at home safely as they age.
Read the full report “Valuing the Invaluable” for national and state-by-state data on the economic value of unpaid care by family and friends.
Resources and information on family caregiving are available at www.aarp.org/caregiving.
ABOUT AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.