The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is joining a multi-state initiative that provides support and training to family caregivers of older adults. There are an estimated 3.4 million family caregivers in Texas who provide day-to-day care for a family member or friend.
“As family caregivers dedicate their time and resources to help their loved ones maintain their well-being, we are working to ensure that those caregivers are taken care of as well,” said Holly Riley, HHSC Aging Services Coordination director. “We are joining this collaborative effort to learn and share ideas about the resources needed to support family caregivers.”
The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) is leading the Helping States Support Families Caring for an Aging America initiative with support from the John A. Hartford Foundation and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. CHCS will work on projects with HHSC to improve family caregiving policies and programs in Texas. Some areas of focus include implementing new technologies, providing formal training for caregivers and increasing access to respite care.
The need for family caregivers is increasing with the growth of the aging population. Almost 12 percent of Texans are ages 65 and older. That figure is expected to double within the next 30 years.