With management of Congress on the road in subsequent yr’s elections, a brand new AARP ballot of the 40 best Home of Representatives districts, together with Alaska, makes it clear that candidates could be clever to concentrate to a group of voters that might determine the Home majority – caregivers.
I say this as a result of the variety of seemingly voters who establish as caregivers is eye-popping and the share who say they are going to vote exhibits candidates ignore them at their peril. Our ballot exhibits that 77% of voters both are present caregivers, have been a caregiver or count on to be one sooner or later. And, practically 80% of present caregivers say they plan to vote within the 2024 election. Caregivers might very nicely be the swing voters of this election.
What politicians could not understand is that there are over 48 million household caregivers nationwide — 94,000 in Alaska — who make it potential for their older dad and mom, spouses, or different family members to stay independently of their houses. Some present assist with small duties like shopping for groceries, taking a liked one to the physician or serving to them pay their payments whereas different caregivers assist their family members bathe, eat and dress. The vast majority of household caregivers who present unpaid care additionally work full- or part-time jobs. However typically they’re pressured to cut back their hours or stop completely.
The truth is household caregivers are holding up America’s damaged long-term care system. Why? As a result of our analysis exhibits 77percentof individuals 50-plus wish to stay independently of their houses as they age. They don’t wish to be pressured into nursing or assisted residing houses which might be typically not in the neighborhood the place they at present stay. However these older adults need assistance. And as a rule it’s members of the family and buddies who step in.
Candidates and lawmakers want to concentrate to those unsung heroes. AARP’s polling exhibits that enormous majorities say they’re burdened emotionally and overwhelmed by their caregiving tasks. Most additionally say they face monetary challenges. The typical household caregiver spends $7200 a yr, on common, out of their very own pocket to deal with their family members’ wants.
Our survey additionally tells us that household caregivers — no matter their social gathering affiliation — want to their elected officers for assist. There are commonsense options lawmakers can get behind that may save caregivers money and time:
- A tax credit score to assist cowl their prices for caring for a member of the family.
- Paid household depart so unpaid household caregivers can care for his or her family members with out shedding their job or wage.
- Respite providers to permit household caregivers to take a break to recharge.
Candidates can’t afford to disregard the challenges dealing with this highly effective constituency. In an election the place management of Congress and the White Home are each up for grabs, help from caregiving voters might make the distinction.
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