An older person using a walker takes a walk around her neighborhood, accompanied by a caregiver.

The Future of Family Caregiving: Leading the Change

By

AARP New York

Funding Area

Empowering Health Care Consumers

Date

September 17, 2018

Empowering Health Care Consumers

Approximately 2.6 million New Yorkers provide unpaid care to a loved one. The challenges family caregivers face are complex and diverse, but all play a critical role in the health care system. How does New York State meet the needs of caregivers in the 21st century? How can unique models of care and services, bold technologies, practice change, and innovative state policies support family members, partners, and friends who care for the millions of adults over age 65? What can New York learn from other states to improve its response and responsibility to family caregivers?

With NYHealth support, AARP New York convened a summit to explore these questions with experts from state government, aging-service organizations, advocacy groups, and family caregivers. Summit participants analyzed issues common among caregivers, shared best practices and new models, and offered insights on how New York State could adapt successful approaches. The resulting report summarizes key findings from the summit and provides recommendations for New York State on how to best support family caregivers.