The unpaid care provided by the 70,000 caregivers in Vermont is valued at $1.23 billion, according to new state data available in AARP’s latest report in the Valuing the Invaluable series. This is a $220 million increase in unpaid contributions since the last report was released in 2019. The report highlights the growing scope and complexity of family caregiving and highlights actions needed to address the many challenges of caring for parents, spouses, and other loved ones.
“Family caregivers play a vital role in Vermont’s health care system, whether they care for someone at home, coordinate home health care, or help care for someone who lives in a nursing home,” said Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont State Director. “We want to make sure all family caregivers have the financial, emotional and social support they need, because the care they provide is invaluable both to those receiving it and to their community.”
AARP Vermont provides support to family caregivers and the loved ones who depend on them for care. Right now, AARP Vermont is urging state leaders to rebalance Vermont’s long-term care system to invest more in home-based care. The organization also supports providing more funding for home modifications to help Vermonters age safely in their own homes.
Read the full report for national and state-by-state data on the economic value of unpaid care by family and friends.
Resources and information on family caregiving are available at Aarp.org/caregiving.
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