Our goal is to achieve one-stop shopping for individuals. In November 2000, the U.S. Congress reauthorized the Older Americans Act with the exciting new addition of the National Family Caregiver Support Act. The new Act provides much needed focus on support programs for family caregivers. The establishment of the Act is especially timely as North Carolina undergoes restructuring of its long-term care systems, as recommended in the report of the N.C. Institute of Medicine. In the past, most family caregivers have shouldered the burden of caring for their loved ones quietly and with limited formal support.
Research shows that a family caregiver often exacts a heavy emotional, physical, and financial toll.
Thus, supporting family caregivers is not only the right thing to do but also an essential investment for the future of North Carolina's long-term care system. The U.S. Congress and President acknowledge this with the creation of the National Family Caregiver Support Act. At the end of the year, when the federal funding is terminated, the collaboration established by the project will continue to provide on-going education to North Carolina's Medicare beneficiaries. If you would like to contact the department's director, just click on this e-mail link. Please provide any additional information that will help us in determining how we can help you best.