Policy Support for Family Caregivers: Stagnation and Emerging Hope

The coalition known as 'Care Can't Wait' has been tirelessly pushing for family caregivers to receive federal support. Their advocacy efforts were prominently featured during the discussions of the Build Back Better legislation in 2021.

In December, Andy Kim, a representative from New Jersey, made his debut speech in the Senate. He chose to highlight his family's struggles when his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This personal narrative served as a startling example of the overwhelming challenges faced by family caregivers, a struggle he characterized as 'catastrophic'.

Kim’s situation underscores a widespread agreement: Transformations in care policies are necessary. His choice to spotlight family caregiving resonates deeply, as evidenced by data indicating that around 63 million Americans are currently in similar caregiving roles.

The Pandemic-Induced Shift

The COVID-19 pandemic has reframed how family caregiving is viewed—no longer merely a private issue but also a significant labor and economic concern. This change in perception has catalyzed coalitions consisting of diverse groups pushing caregiving to the forefront of national discourse.

States have taken innovative steps, experimenting with policies that mitigate caregiving burdens. These include tax credits and protective job policies, described as pioneering efforts that could spur broader policy changes nationwide.

State-Level Innovations

Oklahoma and Nebraska lead the way with tax credits aimed at easing financial strains on caregivers. These are coupled with new legislation in other states that offer temporary respite care and improved employment protections.

Over half of family caregivers juggle employment alongside their caregiving roles. Various states have enacted laws bolstering family leave, similar to unemployment insurance models, covering substantial employee bases.

Emerging Care Movement

While federal support remains limited and fragmented, the collective efforts at the state level present a promising shift. These smaller-scale experiments showcase potential pathways for comprehensive national policies, guided by the principle that care is both crucial and vastly undervalued.

The ultimate objective, as envisioned by advocates, is to ignite a sweeping movement advocating for family caregivers nationwide. This includes calling for extensive administrative and funding support, essentially reconstructing the current system to foster a more sustainable caregiving model.