Community
BY ELLE BENT
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 23% of Texans age 45 or older provide care to a family member or friend. “Family caregivers are the backbone of long-term care in this country,” said Susan Reinhard, senior vice president of AARP Public Policy Institute, in a news release. Per the report from AARP, 60% of caregivers work either a part-time or full-time job, with 40% citing emotional stress from juggling both responsibilities. The options In Austin, caregivers can find resources including education, support groups and respite care from organizations such as AGE of Central Texas and centers such as Town Square in Northwest Austin. Town Square Director Elisa Reodica said that Town Square, or respite care in general, can be Report: Caregivers in need of support
a more affordable alternative to in-home care or senior living facilities. An in-home caregiver can cost about $25 to $35 an hour, Reodica said. The cost of Town Square begins at about $18 an hour. Per the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, average monthly cost for care in Austin ranges from $3,500-$5,345. In 2021, the estimated eco- nomic value of care that Americans gave to family members was $600 billion, per the AARP report. By 2034, AARP predicts that adults aged 65 and older will outnumber children under the age of 18, and the availability of caregivers will shrink. What’s next The report highlighted potential solutions to provide support to unpaid caregivers, including: • Strengthening paid family and sick leave • Expanding respite care services • Offering tax credits or other programs to offset the costs of family caregiving For additional online resources, visit www.hhs.texas.gov or www.aarp.org/caregiving.
Caregiving statistics
Nearly 1 in 5 adults in Texas provide regular assistance to an adult friend or family member who is aging, experiencing health problems or has a disability.
of caregivers in the United States work a full-time or part-time job 60%
of caregivers in the United States cite emotional stress of juggling caregiving with paid work as their biggest challenge 40%
SOURCE: AARP PUBLIC POLICY INSTITUTE, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
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