Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk AARP and Family Care Giving

More than 48 million Americans are caregivers. There are 50 federal actions to help those caring for older adults, including expanded home-base care for veterans and a pilot program offering help for caregivers dealing with loved ones who have dementia.

The Florida State Office is fighting for legislation and policy changes on issues such as paid leave and tax credits for caregiving work.

AARP helps families find local resources and tools through state caregivers resource guides which note state programs, government agencies, and tools that assist caregivers. You can locate your state guide at AARP.org/caregiverresourceguides.

AARP research helps inform policymakers about the value of care by family caregivers. AARP found that the average family caregiver provides 18 hours of care per week.

AARP offers a family discussion group on Facebook and 14,000 caregivers participate in the forum talking about common challenges facebook.com/groups/AARPfamilycaregivers.

Five million career givers turn to AARP’s family caregiver website annually, which features links and lists to support them visit AARP.org/caregiving.

While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of their friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage. This is where the Jewish Pavilion, a 501c3 non-profit, steps in. The Pavilion serves as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more to 450 Jewish residents in fifty facilities for seniors. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs. http://www.JewishPavilion.org.

The Orlando Senior Help Desk at the Jewish Pavilion (407-678-9363) helps thousands of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues. http://www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org.