November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and celebrate all who sacrifice to take care of those they love. According to AARP, family caregiving is on the rise in Michigan, particularly as members of the baby boomer generation become older.

AARP estimates there are more than a million caregivers in our state each year, and they provide 1.4 billion hours of free care to loved ones. Collectively, this work is valued at more than $15.5 billion yet, remarkably, is done for free out of love.

Family caregivers dedicate their own time to helping take care of their parents, spouses and other loved ones to ensure their well-being in time of need. Often, however, while needs may be many and the willingness to help is great, caregivers find themselves unprepared in knowing how best to provide care.

In 2016, Michigan enacted new legislation that ensures our caregivers receive improved training and support when it comes to caring for their loved ones.

Referred to as the CARE Act, the Caregiver Advise, Record, and Enable Act, provides in-home caregivers who are designated by soon-to-be discharged patients with hospital-provided consultation and instruction for any after-care assistance tasks that do not require a licensed professional once a patient is released. The training comes as part of a patient’s discharge plan and covers tasks like assisting with bathing and dressing, transportation, finances and more complex medical tasks, like administering wound care and medication injections.

One study showed that this type of program in New Jersey reduced hospital readmission rates by 13 percent, saving $52 million. Only time will tell how beneficial the CARE Act will be in Michigan, but I am confident it already is. 

If you would like more information about the CARE Act or about caregiving, I would encourage you to check out aarp.org/mi or aarp.org/caregiving.