Support Family Caregivers
Approximately 2.7 million Texans serve as informal, unpaid caregivers for persons that need assistance with daily activities because of a disability or serious health condition. Informal, family caregiving is a profound act of love, but it is more than that, it is the bedrock of our long-term care system.
Nearly 400,000 Texans Rely on Informal Caregivers instead of Medicaid
According to the Legislative Budget Board, there are 426,000 older adults and persons with disabilities in Texas who are potentially eligible for Medicaid but currently receive all of their long term services from unpaid family and friends. If they were instead to receive care in a nursing facility paid by Medicaid the annual cost is estimated to be from $3.2 to $12.6 billion per year
But Who Offers Care for the Caregivers?
Respite is the most frequent service requested by informal caregivers to help them continue to provide at-home care. It offers them a much-needed, short-term break from their care responsibilities. Research shows respite reduces the strain of caregiving, allows caregivers to remain in the workforce, and delays or prevents long-term institutionalization.
Support for Informal Caregivers Makes Sense for Texas
We support funding respite services for informal caregivers. Texas informal caregivers provide an estimated 2.9 billion hours of care per year, a market value of $24 billion. A relatively small investment by the State could help these Texans remain in our workforce, and delay or prevent institutionalization for their loved one.
Do your part for Texas family caregivers.
For more information about family caregivers, please visit www.caregiver.org
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