Strickland and AARP Host Live Tele-Town Hall on Caring for Caregivers

Office of Rep. Marilyn Strickland press release.

During National Family Caregivers Month, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and AARP held a live tele-town hall to take questions, provide resources, and highlight how we must better support caregivers and families, especially as the House considers the Build Back Better Act. Strickland was joined by Cathy MacCaul, Advocacy Director for AARP Washington State and Bea Rector, Director of the Home and Community Services (HCS) Division within the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration in Washington State’s Department of Social and Health Services.

“I am grateful to the many caregivers and families for sharing their stories and needs with me, and to AARP Washington for their advocacy on behalf of caregivers in my district. November is National Family Caregivers Month and I know that a crucial part of building back better is supporting our care workers and all who take on caregiving responsibilities for their loved ones,” said Congresswoman Strickland. “That’s why I fought to include policies like the Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan. As Congress advances the Build Back Better Act, we must do more to meet the needs of caregivers and families.”

“The stresses of the pandemic took a significant toll on family caregivers. When we surveyed family caregivers last winter, about 60% said they were feeling more worry and anxiety due to the pandemic,” said Cathy MacCaul, AARP Washington Advocacy Director. “We are fortunate to have champions like Congresswoman Strickland, who recognize the challenges of family caregiving and can advocate for a more supportive care infrastructure.”

Constituents led the conversation, asking questions specific to their  personal experiences with caregiving including raising issues such as habitable and accessible housing, multigenerational housing, ageing with dignity, respite care, lowering the cost of care and more. Strickland answered questions on federal support for caregiving infrastructure, including passing the American Rescue Plan’s Child Tax Credit, cosponsoring the Credit for Caring Act to assist with out-of-pocket caregiving costs, fighting to strengthen social security, and more. Strickland provided an update on crucial policies she is currently fighting to include in the Build Back Better Act including home-based services for older adults and people with disabilities, investments in the caregiving workforce and much more.

RESOURCES:

For assistance with long-term care programs in Washington state, visit the Washington State Aging and Long-Term Support Administration’s website.  Visit AARP’s website or call 1-877-333-5885 (English) or 1-888-971-2013 (Spanish) for toll-free family caregiving resources. Call 1-800-677-1116 or visit this website for resources from the U.S. Administration on Aging to connect individuals to care for older adults and families. Constituents of Washington’s 10th Congressional District may also call Congresswoman Strickland’s office at (360) 459-8514 or visit www.strickland.house.gov if they have any questions, comments or concerns.