Let's Make Some Noise! Here's Your Chance to Make a Difference...

Working with policy makers and State Party Platform Committees, we (The Family Caregiver Platform Project) continue our efforts to generate awareness of the needs of family caregivers who are caring for our nation's seniors.  As we get closer to state and national party conventions, we are pressing even more so to get specific policy issues drafted into party platforms (this is a non-partisan effort, working with both parties).

Our parents, like my 90 year-old dad and 82 year-old mother, for whom I'm caring, deserve the best care possible, particularly at the end-of-life, and family caregivers need the support to make that possible.

In my state, Illinois (IL), I've submitted a formal request for specific language inclusion to the IL GOP. (NOTE: IL Democrats do not have a party platform, deferring to the national DEM platform).

Below is the summary language for each of the 5 items being requested for inclusion in the IL GOP Party Platform.  Each of these align well with the core mission and values of the Party; its focused commitment to Seniors and the health of the citizens of IL:

1. Our party recognizes the value of family caregivers and the importance of their role.
2. We support creation of volunteer-based initiatives to provide non-medical assistance and companionship to frail elders.
3. We encourage both public and private initiatives aimed at expanding the availability of training and support groups for family caregivers.
4. We encourage programs that help family caregivers take care of their own needs.
5. We encourage employers to support their workers during difficult family times, recognizing the impact of caregiving.

Although I'd like to see this all move much faster, and many more issues being addressed with solutions in place, I've been encouraged by the interest and engagement of the handful of politicians I've met with here in IL and in DC.  What we need next though is action, because understanding and interest simply is not enough.

If you or someone you know is a family caregiver, I'd love to get your thoughts and carry those needs/recommendations forward.  To Raise Your Voice, click on this link to submit your thoughts.  https://s2s.care/advocacy/raise-your-voice/

Pass this along ... send it to others who care and want to see these needs made known, far and wide...and let's make some noise. Come on, Raise Your Voice!

Thanks so much!   Deb Kelsey-Davis

Deb Kelsey-Davis  is a family caregiving advocate and expert, having been a caregiver herself both personally and professionally for the past 3 decades.  She’s also an author, speaker and founder of S2S Solutions.