WASHINGTON, DC: Last week, Congresswomen Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Debbie Dingell (MI-06) – along with Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) – re-launched the bipartisan, bicameral Assisting Caregivers Today (ACT) Caucus. The caucuswill provide education about the challenges family caregivers face and advocate for policies that support them.

“In Southeast Virginia and throughout the country, family caregivers play a vital role in the lives of millions of Americans,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “As a geriatric nurse practitioner, I had the privilege of caring for our greatest generation as they aged; I know firsthand how essential caregivers are when it comes to ensuring our older Americans can age gracefully and have fulfilling, independent lives. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advocate for our care providers and their families!”

“More than half of Americans over 50 years old will serve as a family caregiver for a period of time, and family caregivers need our support,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “I’m proud to launch this caucus with my colleagues to help educate lawmakers about the depth of the caregiving crisis in America and work toward fixing it.”

“Many Americans dedicate countless hours of unpaid care to help an older parent, spouse, or other loved one — and they do this while balancing jobs, family responsibilities, and rising expenses,” said Senator Bennet. “We’re relaunching this bipartisan caucus to raise awareness about the challenges family caregivers face and policies needed to support them.”

“As someone who served as the primary caregiver for parents living with Alzheimer’s disease, I saw firsthand the stress and costs that come with family caregiving,” said Senator Capito. “With the relaunch of the Assisting Caregivers Today Caucus, we are bringing needed attention to the issues caregivers of all backgrounds face. I look forward to working alongside my Senate and House colleagues as we renew our push to find bipartisan ways to lessen the emotional and financial toll for these individuals and families.”

Nearly 20 million adults in the United States require assistance completing self-care and other daily tasks due to physical, cognitive, developmental, and/or behavioral conditions, and the majority of people who require care would prefer to receive it in their home or another community-based setting. Family, friends, and neighbors make up 53 million caregivers across the country. Family caregivers’ economic contribution is valued at $600 billion.

“AARP thanks Representatives Kiggans and Dingell and Senators Bennet and Capito for their leadership in re-launching the bipartisan, bicameral Assisting Caregivers Today (ACT) Caucus. Family caregivers are the backbone of a broken long-term care system, providing $600 billion in unpaid labor each year, saving taxpayers billions. AARP looks forward to working with the ACT Caucus to continue raising awareness of the value of family caregivers and the need to find commonsense solutions that will provide them with support to help their loved ones live independently in their homes,” said Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer.

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