Abstract
There are approximately 40 million family caregivers in the United States that support an adult family member or friend. Family caregivers are “first responders” in the delivery of long-term services and supports (LTSS). They assist family members or friends with personal care, complex medical and nursing tasks and other vital activities to help them remain in their homes and communities. While the “average” family caregiver is a 49 year old white woman caring for her 69 year old white mother, caregivers on the whole are becoming as diverse as the American population. Research shows that 40 percent of caregivers are men, 24 percent are Millennials, and the caregiving population as a whole reflects multicultural identities. New research has deepened our understanding of the caregiving population and should inform how policy and programs designed to support family caregivers are crafted. This symposium, hosted by the AARP Public Policy Institute, will feature research addressing key populations of family caregivers, including men, Millennials and those that perform medical/nursing tasks. Presenters will also discuss how research can include policy, program design and resource development and offer real-life examples of each.