National strategic plan addresses family caregiver needs
The estimated 53 million people in the U.S. that care for aging, chronically ill or disabled loved ones are a grossly underserved part of the American population.
According to the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers released in September, care is often provided at the family’s own physical, emotional and financial expense, and caregivers frequently lack adequate support. The first of its kind, the document outlines 350 actions the federal government seeks to take in support of family caregivers, defined as kin or loved ones with a close relationship, caring for individuals with a chronic health conditions, disabilities or functional limitations. One of the primary goals of the strategy is to help them “Breathe again …”
“At some point in our lives, most of us will either be a family caregiver or need one. Many of us will experience both,” Alison Barkoff, Acting Association for Community Living (ACL) Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging, said in a press release. “This strategy presents a vision, along with recommendations for achieving it. Bringing that vision to life will require contributions and commitments from every sector, every level of government – and all of us – and ACL is proud to help lead that work.”
Beyond the physical and emotional toll, the ACL estimates family caregivers give up an estimated combined income of $522 billion annually as they fulfill responsibilities to loved ones in need. Additionally, the cost to pay professional providers for what family members and loved ones do could exceed $470 billion annually, according to the ACL.
The strategic plan is fairly encompassing of a variety of caregiving scenarios, including grandparents raising grandchildren and grandchildren caring for their grandparents. Five key objectives of the plan include:
- Increase awareness and outreach to family caregivers
- Build partnerships to enhance caregiver engagement in policy development
- Strengthen the services and support family caregivers need
- Ensure financial stability by offering planning services and additional resources
- Conduct research and deploy evidence-based practices to support family caregivers
“Caregivers are sacrificing for their loved ones and often are standing in the health care gap by providing that care,” said Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the current Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) Administrator. “CMS is committed to advancing home and community-based services and other forms of caregiver support across the lifespan to give caregivers the recognition and resources they need and deserve.”
The strategic plan was three years in the making and will be updated every two years. The document is the result of collaboration of 15 federal agencies and 150 stakeholder organizations as well as those receiving and providing care in the home. Primary contributors were the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Act Family Caregiving Advisory Council and The Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (SGRG). The plan is open for public comment until November 30.
FEI Systems has been a longtime partner of the ACL and we are committed to supporting barrier free access to health and human services. As a leading provider of information technology services, our solutions promote interoperability and continue to help the ACL develop a framework for serving aging communities.
