Maryland residents who provide care to family members or loved ones say it's important that state funding for home and community-based services be increased, according to a survey released by AARP Maryland.
"Family caregivers are estimated to be providing over $6 billion in unpaid care to older adults in Maryland each year," said Joseph DeMattos Jr., AARP Maryland's senior state director. "These individuals are providing a service which is invaluable - both to their loved ones and to society at large. But they need more support."
The survey found that most caregivers have made work or personal sacrifices to provide care, including going into work late or leaving early, being distracted at work and giving up vacations, hobbies, social activities and exercise.
Sixty percent of caregivers are caring for their parents or their spouse's parents, most often providing transportation, household chores, companionship and medical care.
While nearly half (49 percent) acknowledge that providing care is emotionally stressful, only about 16 percent say they have used respite care, a service that gives them a short break from their caregiving responsibilities. More than half say that information on respite and available resources for caregivers would be extremely or very helpful.
According to the report, eight in 10 members say it's important that funding for home and community-based services be increased, and nearly seven in 10 would be more likely to vote for a candidate for state office who supports such an increase.
More than 350,000 AARP members in Maryland are or have been caregivers. The survey was conducted by mail in August and September and released in conjunction with a leadership roundtable on caregiving hosted by AARP Maryland.