Caring Across Generations

Caregiving is a universal part of life, and it’s finally getting the representation it deserves onstage and on screen, no doubt in part to the artists who have been caregivers themselves. Check out this article, featuring our very own Lydia Storie, that touches on the importance of centering inclusive, care-related storylines. https://lnkd.in/e_5Nk2iz

“Even if your son wants a time-intense job and thinks paying for care is enough, remind him that caregiving is everyone’s responsibility…we all receive care at some point in our lives, and we should all plan to give care as well.” We couldn’t say it better ourselves! A must read. https://lnkd.in/ekBuks5B

We are still feeling so inspired by the amazing community who came together for our first-ever Care Can’t Wait Community Integration Summit. Integration means to make something whole – and community integration for disabled people of all ages and older adults depends on access to high-quality care. In honor of the 25th anniversary of the Olmstead Supreme Court decision and Disability Pride month, we came together on July 30th with storytellers and advocates to build momentum toward greater access and equity in every dimension of community integration. It wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible partners: AAPD, Justice in Aging, Little Lobbyists, NPWF, NWLC, NDWA, and The Arc.

Snoop gets it. We all deserve access to affordable care. #CareCantWait

That’s the power of care stories. ⚡ We attended a Care Family Meeting where caregivers (including our former care fellow Ty Lewis) shared their stories with White House leaders to discuss progress and highlight the continued need to invest in Child Care, Paid Leave, and Aging & Disability Care to lower costs for families. As Ty said, “When you help us [#caregivers], you can solve so many other issues!”

#OnThisDay in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed #Medicare and #Medicaid into law. Fifty-nine years later, nearly 150 million people are covered by these programs, including 7 million who receive home- and community-based services (HCBS) through Medicaid. Medicaid is the main funder for HCBS nationwide, and most HCBS are not covered by private insurance or other federal programs, including Medicare. While Medicaid offers coverage for some, Medicare’s long-term care coverage is extremely limited, and there is currently no long-term care program that covers everyone. Ensuring that healthcare and HCBS are accessible and affordable to everyone is vital to strengthening our communities. It’s time we expand access to all disabled and older people who need care!

As we wrap up #DisabilityPrideMonth, it's important to remember that most people will experience disability at some point in their lives, whether temporarily or permanently. So, disability pride and improving accessibility should be a priority for everyone.

With so much turmoil and uncertainty, the one thing we’re clear on is the need to continue our fight to secure paid leave for all, affordable child care, accessible aging and disability care, and good care jobs. Wondering how you can engage your elected officials to ensure that they take action on care? Look no further than our #CareVoterGuide, where you’ll find sample questions to ask your representatives and candidates, guidance on locating town halls and other events your elected officials may attend, and guidance on how to share your story with them. https://bit.ly/4cZJKbO

This #DisabilityPrideMonth, we are proud to highlight just a few of our organizational partners doing important work for disabled people across the country. We’re proud to partner with New Disabled South, Access Living, Detroit Disability Power, and California Foundation for Independent Living Centers to continue expanding care access for disabled people. If you aren’t already, please give these incredible organizations a follow so you can keep up with their work, too! This month and every month, we’re committed to continue fighting for a world in which everyone, but especially disabled people, have access to the care they need not only to survive, but to thrive.

In order to create a better care future for all, we must center disability, the people who experience and identify with it, and the wide range of supports they need to thrive. #DisabilityPrideMonth