On November 18, 2022, APA Services and APA’s Committee on Aging (cona) submitted comments and recommendations to support the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers (PDF, 188KB)opens in new window from the Administration for Community Living under the Department of Health and Human Services to support family caregivers of all ages.
The comments stated that the three most important topic areas are: outreach to individuals who may not define themselves as caregivers, attention to identifying research-supported best practices, and coordination of services. The comments also noted that the strategy does not mention the unique needs and concerns of LGBTQI+ individuals or partnerships and should be revised to address those needs.
The association also recommended that the raise Act Family Caregiving Advisory Councilopens in new window and the Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildrenopens in new window should focus on improving awareness, accessibility, dissemination of caregiving research and resources, consider existing disparities, and broaden the definition of caregiving.
In addition, cona noted that the strategy should elaborate on the proposed next steps for states, communities, and other stakeholders. More details are needed, for example, on how people and communities can best support caregivers and which programs and interventions are most effective. cona also stressed the importance of addressing trauma, advancing equity in underserved communities, and elevating direct care workers as family caregiving partners by addressing workforce shortages.
Finally, the committee noted further concerns to focus on in the future, including the financial needs of caregivers, the process of service development and delivery, the need for culturally specific materials, and the need for better data. The association also noted that the strategy could address how to help caregivers focus on the caregivers’ specific needs given the plethora of resources provided to them and suggested that since caregiving often occurs in a network of caregivers rather than a sole caregiver, coordinating the network is a key component to meeting all the caregivers’ needs.
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