Advocacy for family caregivers can occur at the federal, state and local levels. In this section, we provide an overview and suggest resources for such efforts. Key legislative initiatives in support of family caregivers is also reviewed.
Legislative Initiatives
Federal Level
At one congressional briefing on lifespan respite care co-sponsored by APA, member William Haley, PhD, of the University of South Florida presented psychological research findings on caregiving's effects on stress, health and emotional well-being, and the benefits of respite services, as well as individual and family counseling.
State and Local Level
Advocacy efforts for family caregiving also occur and the state and local level. Support for these initiatives is provided by APA, national caregiving organizations and state and local family caregiver coalitions. For example, the National Alliance on Caregivingopens in new window has a wealth of information related to state and local coalitions including two guidebooks on establishing and growing local family caregiving coalitions, available on their Advocacy webpageopens in new window.
Key Legislative Initiatives
Date created: 2011