Caregiving is overlooked issue voters want resolved, AARP survey finds

Caregiving may be the sleeper issue in November's midterm elections among older Americans, according to a recent survey by AARP, a nonprofit and nonpartisan advocate for people aged 50 and older.

Most voters aged 50 and older in the battleground states of Alaska, Michigan, Arizona, Ohio, Texas and Georgia said they were more likely to back candidates who provide support for unpaid family caregivers, according to AARP, which surveyed more than 800 people in each state. Georgians led the charge, with 75% of respondents looking for candidates who support caregivers. Alaska had the lowest percentage among those states, but it was still high at 68%.

With so many pressing issues, including Social Security and healthcare costs, few candidates are focused on caregiving, experts said. Unpaid family caregivers are an overlooked voting bloc, even as the issue is a growing concern, AARP said.

Candidates in battleground states that could determine which party gains control in Congress may want to pay attention, caregivers said.

“The care crisis is one of the defining issues of our generation. Across the country, millions of families who care for an aging parent or grandparent, or a loved one with disabilities, are being pushed to the brink…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/