November 5, 2024

In this Issue:

1. November is National Family Caregivers Month
2. GAO Seeks Feedback from People with Disabilities on Their Experiences Accessing Healthcare
3. Save the Date for the 2025 Consumer Voice Conference
4. Resource Highlight - Visiting Residents of Long-Term Care During the Holidays

November is National Family Caregivers Month

Families are often the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities. In fact, today in America, more than 53 million family caregivers provide unpaid care.  November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and honor caregivers nationally, raise awareness around caregiving issues, educate communities, and work to increase support for our nation's caregivers.

View Consumer Voice's resources for family caregivers:

• Taking Care of You: Tips for the Family Caregiver - created during the COVID-19 pandemic, this resource provides many still-relevant tips for family caregivers
• Family Involvement in Nursing Homes and the Family Council Center
• Advocating for Rights and Better Care in Nursing Homes: Tips for Residents and Families

GAO Seeks Feedback from People with Disabilities on Their Experiences Accessing Healthcare

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has created a survey for adults with disabilities to share their experiences when trying to access healthcare, and any barriers they've faced along the way. This survey may also be filled out by caregivers on behalf of the individual they care for. 

The survey will be open until November 30, 2024. Contact the GAO with any questions at HealthAccessibility@gao.gov or 202-367-9009. 

Take the survey.

Save the Date for the 2025 Consumer Voice Conference

Join us at the conference next year November 3-6, 2025 at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel. In celebration of our organization's 50th Anniversary in 2025, we are returning to the Washington, DC area.

The Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel, a modern, highly-rated hotel, is located nearby a wealth of DC attractions including the Pentagon, National Landing, Arlington National Cemetery, Old Town Alexandria, and the historic Mount Vernon Trail.

The hotel is easily accessible to Reagan National Airport (DCA) and the DC metro. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle services to the airport, Crystal City Metro Station, and the Pentagon. Join us in the nation's capital as we celebrate 50 years!

Resource Highlight - Visiting Residents of Long-Term Care During the Holidays

The holidays are quickly approaching, and visits from family members can be an important support for a long-term care resident’s emotional well-being and can help ensure that residents receive quality care. Visits are a valuable time to look for changes in residents’ health and mental status. There are many ways families and long-term care residents can enjoy the holidays together.  Read our fact sheet for what to look for when visiting, tips and activity ideas for visiting your loved one, ways to engage with residents, and examples of potential gifts for residents.