Mac users: Increase text size by holding command and +. Decrease text size by holding command and -.Following a series of listening sessions held during the pandemic, the Senate Committee on Reimagining Massachusetts Post-Pandemic Resiliency released its report with policy and spending recommendations on everything from rental assistance to digital equity. Continue reading
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RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council Delivers Report to Congress
The Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, & Engage (RAISE) Family Caregiving Advisory Council delivered its initial report to Congress. The culmination of a two-year, multi-faceted effort that gathered input from family caregivers across the country, the report provides an overview of many of the issues faced by family caregivers nationwide and provides recommendations for addressing them. Continue reading
AP-NORC Survey Finds Continued Concerns About COVID-19, Social Isolation Among Older Adults
According to a new study of adults age 50 and older from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and funded by The SCAN Foundation, many adults age 50 and older remain worried about infection and are more likely to practice
social distancing and to feel socially isolated. Continue reading
Baker Administration Announces Update on Pfizer COVID-19 Booster Availability
In accordance with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pfizer COVID-19 Booster is now available to individuals 65 years of age and older, individuals 18-64 years of age at risk for severe COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions, and individuals 18-64 years of age who are at increased risk for COVID-19 because of occupational or institutional settings who have previously received the Pfizer vaccine.
These residents are eligible to receive their Pfizer booster shot at least 6 months after their second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Continue reading
Baker Administration Announces Expanded Vaccine Requirement for Long-Term Care Providers and Home Care Workers
The Baker Administration announced plans to require COVID-19 vaccination for all staff at rest homes, assisted living residences (ALRs), hospice programs, as well as for home care workers (HCWs) providing in-home, direct care services.
The plan to expand the vaccine requirement for caregivers is subject to Public Health Council (PHC) approval and is part of the Administration’s continued effort to protect older adults against COVID-19. Last month, the Administration announced a vaccine requirement for employees of skilled nursing facilities. Continue reading
SAMHSA Offers Supports to Veterans, Service Members, and Caregivers
For age-friendly communities working to support local older veterans or work with community-based veterans’ agents, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is highlighting a need for attention to service members, Veterans, military-connected families, and caregivers who may be feeling a wide range of emotions as the tragic events unfold in the fall of Afghanistan. Continue reading
AARP Releases Results of 50+ Voter Survey of Family Caregiving and LTSS
Results from a 50+ voter survey conducted by AARP reiterates a preference from caregivers and older adults to receive care at home, but also reveals an array of interesting stats like who defines themselves as family caregivers and what caregivers spend their money on for their loved ones.
The Home Alone Alliance from AARP Aims to Provide Info for Caregivers and Better Healthcare Connections
Convened by the AARP Public Policy Institute, the Home Alone AllianceSM is a partnership of public, private, and nonprofit sector organizations coming together to create guidance for healthcare professionals who engage with family caregivers and tools for family caregivers providing complex care.
20 million family caregivers perform complex medical/nursing tasks- with very little guidance. The care they provide can be intense, time-consuming, and stressful. Continue reading
CDC, Archangels Studies Report Prevalence of Mental Health Challenges for Caregivers During Pandemic
According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, caregivers, particularly persons with both parenting and adult caregiving responsibilities, will continue to face mental health challenges, and the need for caregivers is projected to increase as the U.S. population ages.
Age and dementia friendly community initiatives may consider how to be inclusive of caregiver needs when engaging residents for feedback and when crafting an action plan. Continue reading
‘Caring for Those Who Care’ Webinar Series Continues with Training on Supporting Hispanic Caregivers and Older Adults
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative’s Equity in Aging Committee, including AARP Massachusetts and the Public Health Institute of Western MA, is continuing its series of webinars with the Diverse Elders Coalition titled, “Caring for Those who Care.” Continue reading