Raise report outlines goals to improve lives of caregivers

Under the RAISE Family Caregivers Act, the Department of Health and Human Services is developing a national strategy to support family caregivers. With that goal in mind, the RAISE Family

Caregiving Advisory Council put forth these recommendations based on more than 1,600 comments from caregivers and their advocates, listening sessions, focus groups and briefings from

experts. Among the advisory council members is AARP former National Volunteer President Catherine Alicia Georges (chair of the nursing department at Lehman College of the City University

of New York). The recommendations lay the groundwork for the strategy. Although this work has been underway for years, the pandemic has provided a tragic reminder that our system of care

must be overhauled. Many family caregivers have had to leave the workforce, and others have struggled harder than ever to manage their multiple responsibilities.  At AARP, we get it. We have

endorsed the bipartisan Credit for Caring Act, which would provide a tax credit of up to $5,000 for eligible working caregivers. AARP is also pushing for paid leave for caregiving and

broader access to home- and community-based services. The diverse needs of caregivers are only going to increase as our nation ages. By 2030, 77 million Americans will have reached age 65

and will face growing risks of chronic ailments that make it harder to live independently. There is no reason that family caregivers should be left adrift to contend with these challenges

on their own. Communities, providers, government, employers and others all can — and must — do more to help. I want to compliment the advisory council for a job well done, but we have a long

way to go. The RAISE report offers a much-needed road map for developing the family caregiving strategy that our nation requires. The report and the strategy that will follow must not be

allowed to lie dormant. I urge leaders in the Biden administration and all policymakers, industries and communities to embrace these important recommendations. _Nancy LeaMond is AARP's

chief advocacy and engagement officer._