Opinion: Supporting Our Seniors: The Urgent Need for Caregiver-Friendly Policies in Nevada

Nevadans Are Looking for Leaders Who Support Senior Care

By Robert Crockett

Across Nevada, our seniors need leaders dedicated to their well-being. In today’s complex care landscape, services that support us as we age can feel few and far between. And it’s not just about the health care resources that support our individual needs. When we get older, we generally end up taking care of a family member or close friend – all while steering through the personal complexities of aging.

In the United States, growing older often comes with more than the responsibility of navigating our own health care. We frequently end up taking on the task of caring for others. In fact, 30% of Americans in their 50s and early 60s provide care to at least one person. The emotional toll of watching loved ones struggle with old age is immense, and caregiving is a time-consuming and costly obligation, especially when piled on top of full-time jobs or personal care needs. From picking up prescriptions and driving to appointments to helping with daily tasks and navigating the care system, caregivers take on a substantial role.

Caregiving is a primary concern in Nevada. Across the state, more than a fourth of voters 50-plus consider themselves to be caregivers, of which 35% devote at least 21 hours a week to caregiving responsibilities. Nevadans over 50 are eager to see their leaders prioritize policies and programs that support caregivers. Especially because caregiving is often overlooked in political conversation, it’s imperative that this issue is brought into the fold.

While caregiving is an overwhelming job, there are health programs, such as Medicare Advantage, that can ease that burden. And Nevadans are hoping to see leaders who will protect it. Unlike other health care options, many Medicare Advantage plans cover in-home care, transportation to appointments, and prescription drug deliveries—services that take a lot off of caregivers’ plates. The programs’ out-of-pocket maximums help patients, and their caregivers feel more secure, knowing they won’t be devastated by unexpected medical bills. Day-to-day costs are high enough, and these plans give seniors and their caretakers peace of mind.

Holistic, affordable programs like Medicare Advantage help alleviate our caregiver crisis. However, the investments that keep the program’s lights on have declined over the years. Senior caregivers and enrollees alike are heavily leaning on their leaders to address how decreased funding for the program could jeopardize their health care. By providing concrete steps to protect Medicare Advantage’s funding, our leaders can reassure Nevadans about the future of their care.

it’s clear that caregiving and health care are on the minds of many older Nevadans. They’re not just looking for promises but for tangible, actionable plans to support their unique needs. Protecting Medicare Advantage and investing in more robust caregiver support systems must be a priority.

Leaders who recognize the burden of caregiving, especially among seniors, will have the chance to prove that they understand the issues that matter most. This presents an opportunity to secure the future well-being of Nevada’s caregivers and seniors, and Nevadans are ready to support those who champion these essential causes.

Robert Crockett is the CEO of Advanced Personal Care Solutions in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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