Majority Leader Greenwald and Assemblywoman Lampitt Recognize National Family Caregivers Month
VOORHEES, NJ – November is “National Family Caregivers Month,” a time to recognize and appreciate the tireless efforts that family caregivers across this state give to taking care of their loved ones every day.

“To me, caregivers represent a special class of people: those with the selflessness to devote so much of their time and energy to caring for others,” stated Assembly Majority Lou Leader Greenwald. “Caregivers often times suffer as a result of the stress and physical demands they encounter when caring for loved ones, and do not regularly receive the respect and recognition they deserve. As we reflect on the efforts of caregivers throughout this state, we must continue to work to provide the resources and support that they need to fill this critical role.”

Nearly 1.75 million people in New Jersey provide some level of unreimbursed care to persons who are elderly or disabled. Caregivers are typically family members, but often it is a friend or neighbor that takes it upon themselves to help someone in need.

“Caregiving is not a nine to five job. These people are working 24/7 to ensure that their loved ones are taken care of,” said Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt. “Not only do caregivers have to work around the clock to make sure their family members are given appropriate levels of care, but many of them also have to juggle full time jobs and parental responsibilities as well. It is incredibly important to bring awareness to the challenges these people face every day and to appreciate the sacrifices they make.”

Assemblywoman Lampitt has introduced legislation to establish the New Jersey Caregiver Task Force. This task force would evaluate state services for caregivers, such as financial support or assistance from any source, and make recommendations to improve and expand these services. This bill awaits a vote from the full Assembly and Senate. Additionally, Assemblywoman Lampitt has authored a bill to provide income tax credits to caregivers supporting a qualifying individual, which is currently pending consideration in the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee.

“Caregivers face an untold number of challenges, as anyone who has ever found themselves in a caregiver role understands. We want to ensure that we are providing them with all the resources they need to fill this important task. These pieces of legislation are designed to improve upon the services this state already offers to family caregivers and provide caregivers with the financial support they deserve,” said Assemblywoman Lampitt. “As public officials, I believe it is our duty to make sure that we are assisting caregivers to the fullest extent possible, and we cannot do that without a thorough review of all of our current services.”

National Family Caregiver Month is recognized each year by the Caregiver Action Network, the nation’s most prominent family caregiving organization representing more than 90 million caregivers in the United States. This past Monday, the Assembly voted in support of a joint resolution declaring November Family Caregiver Month in New Jersey. This year’s theme is “Caregiving Around the Clock,” highlighting the unique challenges caregivers face at all hours of the day.