When I first began my internship at AARP, I had absolutely no idea how big of an issue caregiving is. Now I know that caregivers provide around $13 billion a year in unpaid services in New Jersey alone, and surely people that give that much deserve to get something back. This is why AARP is fighting on behalf of caregivers throughout the New Jersey for things like the Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act, laws to require employees be provided paid sick leave, and holding forums across NJ to connect caregivers to the resources they need.
Caregiving is a difficult and demanding job, and caregivers often forget that they need to take care of themselves as well, making them vulnerable to all sorts of health issues. This is one of the major reasons AARP is fighting for caregivers, to raise awareness of this important role and ensure that those filling it get the help they need and deserve. I know that I will likely join New Jersey’s 1.75 million caregivers and care for one of my loved ones at some point in the future, and I feel more secure knowing that groups like AARP are fighting to set the foundations for me to be successful in that.
Signed
Mike Fine
AARP New Jersey Intern