March 21, 2023
Policymakers should make finding and providing care easier for family caregivers and better incorporate and recognize family caregivers and their vital role as part of Alaska’s long-term care network. Paid family caregiving through participant-direction addresses multiple needs: The person who needs care can age in place among friends and family; the family caregiver can earn a modest income for the difficult work he or she performs, which lessens the impact of the caregivers’ lost job hours for the caregiver and the larger economy; the home care workforce is expanded; and it prolongs the use of lower-cost HCBS while delaying or avoiding costly institutionalization. Read the full article.