Advocacy
Caregivers serve as the invisible frontline of our nation’s healthcare system– providing compassionate care to tens of millions of people each year – and yet systems to support them are fragmented, inaccessible, and oftentimes nonexistent.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
We can change it, together.
RCI’s advocacy efforts seek to redesign structures and systems to proactively center caregivers’ health and wellbeing.
Centering Caregivers at the Federal Level
Despite a wide array of caregiver support programs scattered across the federal government, caregivers often struggle to navigate a disjointed system, fail to qualify for the types of benefits they need, and find that the resources available to them are not sufficient or timely.
Recognizing the need for better systems of support for America’s 53 million caregivers, our founder, Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter made a bold proposal: establish a new Office of Caregiver Health within the federal government to elevate and center caregivers like never before.
– Rosalynn Carter
Establishing a federal office focused on the health and wellbeing of caregivers would demonstrate the commitment of the federal government to acknowledging caregivers and their invaluable contributions to our nation’s health and economy.
An Office of Caregiver Health would elevate and focus unprecedented federal representation, investment, and coordination of caregiver support across federal agencies. Leadership at this level would ensure that family caregivers are represented in health policy, regulation, program, and budget negotiations. A centralized office can dismantle silos that are barriers to progress by creating ways to consider the universal needs of caregivers, regardless of care recipient condition and payer. With a focus on family caregivers, the Office of Caregiver Health could coordinate programs, reduce complexity, prevent duplication, and offer caregivers a clear point of entry for resources and supports.
Advocating for Change
Family caregivers represent a powerful constituency, capable of making meaningful impact. Together, we can build robust systems of support that truly meets caregiver needs, regardless of where they are in their journey. We can advocate for a world where every caregiver has access to financial support, respite, mental health services, support from a well-compensated care workforce, and so much more.
Together, we can build a better future for caregivers.
Join the 4Kinds Network
RCI’s caregiver advocacy and peer-support network. Through the 4Kinds Network, RCI is mobilizing former and current caregivers to harness their collective power so that they may be recognized, respected, and resourced in all the ways they deserve.
Advocacy and Action
Statement from the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers on the Passing of Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter
Dr. Jennifer Olsen, chief executive officer of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI), today released the following statement
The Rosalynn Carter Institute and The Carter Center Respond to the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
The Rosalynn Carter Institute (RCI) and The Carter Center Mental Health Program (CC-MHP) work together to advance former First
The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers and ATI Advisory Release Recommendations on CMMI’s New GUIDE Model for Dementia Care
AMERICUS, GA (September 6, 2023) — On July 31, 2023, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) released
The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers and FEMA Sign MOU for National Preparedness Month
WASHINGTON—Sept. 1, 2023—September marks National Preparedness Month, the annual recognition set to remind everyone in America how important it
President Biden’s Executive Order on Care
On April 18, RCI joined other care advocates at the White House to watch President Biden sign the most
Statement on Biden-Harris Administration Executive Actions to Improve Care
The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers responds to President Biden’s executive actions to improve systems of care Americus, GA
Aging In Place Is All The Rage, But It Is Not Easy
Aging In Place Is All The Rage, But It Is Not Easy It has become increasingly popular to promote
Caregiving Benefits Can Support Workers—and the Bottom Line
Online Publication: SHRM.org Offering caregivers flexibility can aid recruitment and retention When it comes to providing caregiving benefits to
The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers Hosted a Convening in Atlanta to Elevate Caregivers and Explore the Future of Caregiving
The one-day event featured compelling storytellers, national leaders, and grassroots advocates, all sharing novel approaches to caregiver support ATLANTA
Statement from the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers on the release of the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers
“We commend the important work that went into developing the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers and we recognize
The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers Recognized as HHS Healthy People 2030 Champion
AMERICUS, GA (May 13, 2022) — The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) is pleased to be recognized by
New White Paper Reveals Why One-in-Five Employees are at Risk of Leaving the Workforce, and What Employers Can Do to Help
The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers publishes new White Paper titled, “Invisible Overtime: What employers need to know about
Other RCI Resources
Our Programs
Caregiving can be a fulfilling journey, but it can also be challenging – resulting in significant mental, physical, and financial strain on the caregiver.
Strategic Initiatives
Through a portfolio of research projects and strategic initiatives, RCI is working to answer key questions about caregiver demographics, health, needs, and existing supports.
WORKING WHILE CARING
One in five full time employees is also providing care for someone who is aging, ill, disabled, outside of thier paid job