United States current state of care
Now more than ever, governments, public entities, the private sector and all citizens have roles to play in addressing the family (unpaid) caregiver problem. Caregivers should not have to face these hardships and inequities alone. As a society, we can help them, together. See why we need to provide more structured support and help from our key findings and insights directly from caregivers around the world.
What is your country currently doing to support caregivers?
Find out all you need to know about the current state of care in the United States. Our information covers topics like legislation, working arrangement for caregivers, respite care, what your country is doing to financially support caregivers, pension credits and the information and training you have access to.
Legislation
Current practises
Unpaid carers are formally recognized but are not considered a protected class at the federal level.i
Opportunities to increase support
Nationally recognize unpaid carers as a federally protected class. Pass federal legislation that gives unpaid carers the right to an assessment of their needs.
Working arrangements
Current practises
The US lacks a national mandate on comprehensive paid family leave. California, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey provide some variation of paid family leave.iv
Opportunities to increase support
Create a national mandate for paid family leave and financially support employers that promote a work-life balance.
Respite care
Current practises
Respite programs for unpaid carers are provided under the National Family Carer Support Program and the Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006, which was intended to improve the delivery and quality of respite care services available to families across all age and disability groups.vi Other federal programs offer limited access to respite services.
Opportunities to increase support
Make respite care more readily available and easier to access.
Financial support
Current practises
Unpaid carers can receive some financial assistance, income, or tax breaks that can reduce the burden of the cost of caregiving. These options are embedded in various government programs and tax incentives if certain qualifying criteria are met.iii Through the Kupuna Carers Act, Hawaii provides financial assistance to support employed carers to remain in the workforce.iii
Opportunities to increase support
Create one national initiative that provides financial support to unpaid carers.
Pension credits
Current practises
Unpaid carers can apply for Social Security disability benefits for the care recipient. There are two types of disability benefits; Supplemental Security Income (need based) and Social Security Disability (based on previous employment).v
Opportunities to increase support
Pass federal legislation that would provide a Social Security pension credit of up to five years of uncompensated care, to unpaid carers for the time they would have earned wages but could not due to their caring responsibilities.
Information and training
Current practises
Unpaid carers have access to training and information through the non-profit organizations Family Carer Alliance, AARP, the National Alliance for Caregiving, and the Carer Action Network. The VA Carer Support Program and the National Family Carer Support Program both offer training and educational resources.vii
Opportunities to increase support
Increase awareness of training and services currently available to unpaid carers.
References
i Ohio State Bar Association. (2016). Laws Protect Employees Who Serve as Caregivers. Page 1. https://www.ohiobar.org/ForPublic/Resources/ LawYouCanUse/Pages/Laws-Protect-Employees-Who-Serve-as-Caregivers.aspx [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]
ii Caregiver Homes from Seniorlink. (2017). Financial Support for Caregivers. Page 1. https://blog.caregiverhomes.com/financial-support-for- caregivers-the-ultimate-guide-to-home-care-costs-financial-aid-and-financial-planning-for-caregivers [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]
iii Hawaii Aging and Disability Resource Center. (2017). Kupana Caregivers Program. Page 1. https://hawaiiadrc.org/Portals/_AgencySite/KCG%20 Info%20sheet%20071117_FINAL.pdf [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]
iv Caregiver Homes from Seniorlink. (2017). Financial Support for Caregivers. Page 1. https://blog.caregiverhomes.com/financial-support-for- caregivers-the-ultimate-guide-to-home-care-costs-financial-aid-and-financial-planning-for-caregivers [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]
v Disability Benefits Center. (2016). Applying as a Caregiver of an Adult with an Illness. Page 1. https://www.disabilitybenefitscenter.org/blog/applying- as-caregiver [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]
vi Administration for Community Living. Lifespan Respite Care Program. Page 1. https://www.acl.gov/index.php/programs/support-caregivers/lifespan- respite-care-program [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]
vii US Department of Veteran Affairs. VA Caregiver Support. Page 1. https://www.caregiver.va.gov [Date Accessed: 16 July 2018]