Feeling stretched in your role as a caregiver? Caregiving can be stressful—physically, emotionally, and financially. In North Carolina, more than 1.28 million people are providing care to a family member or loved one, oftentimes, not knowing about available support.

Whether you care for a loved one at home or in a care facility, nearby or far away, your role is important. In November, AARP will help you learn ways to take care of yourself, reduce stress, improve your caregiving confidence, and establish balance in your life as you care for others.

AARP would also like to thank US Senator Thom Tillis for co-sponsoring an important bill that will help cut the red tape many family caregivers face. The bi-partisan Alleviating Barriers for

Caregivers Act would reduce family caregivers’ administrative challenges by requiring the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Social Security Administration to take actions to simplify and streamline policies and procedures that improve customer service for family caregivers and individuals covered by or filing for Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security.

Why is this bill needed? According to AARP, 
· One in four family caregivers (25%) report they want help figuring out forms, paperwork, and eligibility for services;

· 26% say it is difficult to coordinate care across various providers and services; and

· While most (61%) work full- or part-time, and some also care for children, family caregivers spend almost 24 hours a week caring for a loved one on average. In North Carolina, the care people provide is valued at over $16.5 billion dollars if they were forced to pay for these services.

Support for Caregivers

Throughout November, AARP is offering free virtual workshops open to anyone that can help people provide the best care to their loved ones and themselves. 

Topics include:

• Taking Care of You
• Identifying and Reducing Personal Stress
• Communicating Feelings, Needs and Concerns
• Learning from Emotions
• Communicating in Challenging Situations
• Mastering Caregiving Decisions