Current Policy Regarding Caregiving and Policy Implications

Discusses current policy regarding caregiving and policy implications. Although little federal and state legislation directly address familial provision of care, several policies affect people’s ability and willingness to provide assistance. Programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, which are aimed at care recipients, indirectly impact the family members who take care of them. Social Security and pension regulations have consequences for people who leave the paid labor force to provide unpaid care work.