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
Office of Caregiver Health
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.
Invisible Until the Pandemic, Family Caregivers Are Now on the Front lines
Office of Caregiver Health Support Letter to the White House
Add your organization/sign-on to the letter of support for the Office of Caregiver Health.
We greatly appreciate your support on this initiative.
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
Five Military Caregivers Receive Scholarships for their Commitment
Five Military Caregivers Receive Scholarships for their Commitment Caregivers Honored at Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving Summit by Former
California Agency Receives Rosalynn Carter Leadership in Caregiving Award
California Agency Receives Rosalynn Carter Leadership in Caregiving Award The Wellness and Caregiver Center of Ventura County Recognized by
Five Military Caregivers Celebrated for Being Heroes Behind the Heroes
Former First Lady Honors Caregivers with Scholarships at Rosalynn Carter Institute Summit AMERICUS, GEORGIA — At a celebratory dinner
Local Agency Receives Rosalynn Carter Leadership in Caregiving Award
Local Agency Receives Rosalynn Carter Leadership in Caregiving Award Riverside Center for Excellence in Aging and Lifelong Health Recognized
Three Georgia-based Caregivers receive Caregiver of the Year Awards
Three Georgia-based Caregivers receive Caregiver of the Year Awards Caregivers Honored at Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving Summit by
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Hosts Summit to Celebrate and Educate Caregivers
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Hosts Summit to Celebrate and Educate Caregivers Operation Family Caregiver Partners with VA, Expands
Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving Names Executive Director
Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving Names Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Olsen Named Executive Director of the Rosalynn Carter Institute
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