The AAFP is urging House action on a family caregiver bill. | Courtesy of Morguefile
+ Regulatory
Amanda Rupp | Sep 15, 2016

AAFP encourages House action for family caregiver bill

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recently encouraged leaders at the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bill supporting family caregivers throughout the nation.

The goal of the bill is to offer support for the caregivers who help patients fight chronic disease, visit doctors and schedule medical appointments. Typically, these caregivers are family members.

There are approximately 40 million people who offer unpaid care to their loved ones and family members. This number is estimated to double by the year 2050. Insufficient financial and social services exist to help these people, which is why the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act is crucial.

"Our country relies on the contributions family caregivers make -- and should recognize and support them," AAFP officials said in a letter.

With this act, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) can create a national strategy that will offer support to the caregivers. HHS leaders could create an advisory body of private and public sector leaders, as well. In turn, these leaders would detect policies that employers and government agencies could use for their employees.

"By supporting family caregivers, we can help people live at home where they want to be, helping to delay or prevent more costly care and unnecessary hospitalizations, saving taxpayer dollars," the officials said.

Organizations in this story

More News