What is the national family caregiving strategy? A comprehensive guide

Over 53 million Americans provide unpaid care for a family member or friend, facing significant challenges. The National Family Caregiving Strategy, released in 2022, was designed to address this growing public health issue by creating a comprehensive national framework for support. This initiative represents a milestone in recognizing and supporting the vital role of family caregivers across the country.

Quick Summary

The national family caregiving strategy is a blueprint developed by federal agencies and advisory councils, outlining hundreds of actions to support family caregivers. It aims to build a national infrastructure of resources, services, and policies that improve the well-being and financial security of caregivers nationwide.

Key Points

• Federal Blueprint: The National Family Caregiving Strategy is a comprehensive, government-led initiative to support unpaid family caregivers across the U.S..

• Five Core Goals: Its framework is built on five key objectives: increasing awareness, advancing partnerships, strengthening services, ensuring financial security, and expanding research.

• Multi-Stakeholder Action: The strategy outlines actions for not only federal agencies but also state, local, and private sector partners.

• Comprehensive Support: It addresses a wide range of caregiver needs, from access to respite care and training to improving financial and workplace protections.

• RAISE Act Foundation: The strategy was developed in response to the RAISE Family Caregiving Act, which mandated recommendations to support family caregivers.

• Emphasis on Grandfamilies: A special focus is placed on supporting grandparent and kinship caregivers, a growing segment of the caregiving population.

• Ongoing Initiative: The strategy is designed to be an evolving document, with progress reports and public input shaping future updates.

Understanding the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers

The National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, developed under the RAISE and SGRG Acts, is the first cross-governmental plan to build a comprehensive support system for family caregivers. Based on extensive public feedback, it serves as a guide for federal and state governments, along with the private sector, to ensure caregivers have the necessary resources.

The five key goals of the strategy

The 2022 strategy is structured around five goals to address critical caregiver needs.

• Goal 1: Increase awareness and outreach. Focuses on informing caregivers about available resources, especially those who don't identify as caregivers.
• Goal 2: Advance partnerships. Aims to include caregivers as key partners in healthcare and long-term care decisions.
• Goal 3: Strengthen services. Seeks to expand access to services like respite care, training, and support groups, utilizing federal funding for home and community-based options.
• Goal 4: Ensure financial and workplace security. Addresses the economic burdens of caregiving through recommendations like paid leave and tax credits.
• Goal 5: Expand data and research. Emphasizes the need for better data to inform policy and develop effective programs.

How the strategy is being implemented

Implementation involves multiple stakeholders at various levels.

Federal actions

Over 15 federal agencies, led by the ACL, are undertaking nearly 350 actions, such as improving caregiver identification in health records and developing financial education resources. These actions align with executive orders aimed at improving care affordability and supporting the care workforce.

State and local initiatives

State units on aging receive ACL support to implement the strategy. States are using this framework to guide their own policies, create resource directories, and enhance outreach, including support for initiatives like respite care worker cooperatives.

Private sector and community involvement

The strategy includes over 150 recommended actions for businesses and community groups. This involves creating supportive workplace policies and philanthropic efforts aligned with the strategy's goals.

Notable examples of progress and Challenges

Since its launch, progress has been seen in areas like kinship support, employer resources, policy alignment, and awareness campaigns. The strategy also addresses challenges caregivers face, such as financial strain, workplace conflicts, and navigating care systems.

Comparison of support before and after the strategy

The strategy marks a shift from a fragmented approach to a coordinated, cross-governmental collaboration with five actionable goals. It formalizes recognition for caregivers and provides a central roadmap for federal, state, and local entities.

Conclusion

The National Family Caregiving Strategy is a significant step in supporting the millions of unpaid caregivers. By providing a national framework, it aims to improve caregiver health, well-being, and financial security. While implementation is ongoing, it has already driven progress across federal, state, and local levels.

For more information, visit the {Link: Administration for Community Living (ACL) website https://acl.gov/CaregiverStrategy}.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the national family caregiving strategy's main purpose?

The main purpose of the strategy is to create a coordinated, national framework for supporting family caregivers. It aims to ensure these caregivers have the resources, services, and policies needed to maintain their health and well-being while performing their vital role.

How did the national caregiving strategy come about?

The strategy was developed jointly by advisory councils created by the RAISE Family Caregiving Act and the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act. It was officially released in 2022 by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration for Community Living (ACL).

What are some of the actions federal agencies are taking under the strategy?

Federal agencies are pursuing actions such as increasing funding for home and community-based services, piloting caregiver identification in electronic health records, and developing tools for financial planning related to caregiving.

Does the national family caregiving strategy offer direct financial assistance?

While the strategy does not provide direct financial payments, it recommends policies that could enhance financial security for caregivers, such as paid family leave and tax credits for caregiving expenses. Its focus is on creating the policy environment for such support.

How does the strategy help with respite care?

One of the key goals is to strengthen services and supports, which includes increasing access to respite care services. This is being implemented through federal and state funding initiatives aimed at giving caregivers a necessary break.

Who does the national family caregiving strategy benefit?

The strategy benefits family caregivers of all ages, including youth caregivers, grandparents, and other family members. It also supports the older adults and people with disabilities who receive care, as better-supported caregivers can provide higher-quality care.

Can private companies and local communities participate in the strategy's goals?

Yes, absolutely. The strategy includes over 150 recommended actions for adoption by states, local communities, and the private sector. This can include implementing supportive workplace policies, offering community resources, and promoting awareness.