Age-Friendly Insights Poll: Broad Political Support for Policies to Help Family Caregivers
People in America agree: Action is needed to support family caregivers. The John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF) asked adults living in the United States for their opinions on policies to help family caregivers, including those recommended in the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.
Download and share an overview.
Key poll findings include:
Caregiving is a common experience across every demographic group in America, yet many caregivers don't know where to find help.
- Almost half of people over the age of 45 who provide care to a friend or family member do not know where to turn for professional or financial assistance.
Policies to support family caregivers are universally popular across political affiliation and other demographics.
- 94% support providing free training for family caregivers who need to perform medical tasks like managing a feeding tube or operating an oxygen tank.
- 95% of Democrats, 94% of Republicans, 93% of Independents
- 93% support bringing in professional direct care workers so family caregivers can rest and address their own personal needs.
- 94% of Democrats, 94% of Republicans, 93% of Independents
- 93% support providing paid time off for family caregivers to fulfill their caregiving responsibilities.
- 95% of Democrats, 91% of Republicans, 91% of Independents
- 90% support guaranteeing unemployment benefits to cover family caregivers who need to leave their jobs to care for someone.
- 92% of Democrats, 88% of Republicans, 88% of Independents
The near-universal approval of policies to assist family caregivers should encourage organizations and policymakers to take federal, state and local action as recommended in the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.
All organizations and individuals working to understand the public’s opinions on policies to support family caregivers can use this research in their work. Attribution to The John A. Hartford Foundation is appreciated.
To learn more about the poll:
- Review the methodology and dive deeper into the data
- Read a one-page overview of the findings
- Explore graphics and social posts to spread the survey’s findings
The poll is part of Age-Friendly Insights, a JAHF series measuring opinions on issues related to improving the care of older adults and support for family caregivers. Learn more about other Age-Friendly Insights polls.