The SCAN Foundation and UCLA Center for Health Policy Research recently released the results of a survey of California voters conducted by Lake Research Partners and American Viewpoint which reveals that most voters age 40 and older are largely unprepared for the costs of long-term care should they need it.  The purpose of the survey was to understand how prepared voters age 40 and older are for the costs of long-term care, gauge their concern about the issue, and explore whether voters think the issue should be a priority for candidates and elected officials. For more information, visit:

On May 5, 2010, President Obama signed the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act (S. 1963) into law.  The new law will provide family caregivers of veterans information and training, respite, counseling, and ongoing supportive services.  In addition, family caregivers of veterans who were injured in the line of duty after September 11, 2001 are eligible for training and certification, health care coverage and a caregiver's stipend.  The bill also improves health care for veterans in rural areas, helps the Veterans Administration (VA) adapt to the needs of women veterans, and expands supportive services for homeless veterans. For more information, visit:

Business Wire reports that a new research study by The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and ComPsych Corporation reveals that "the demands of balancing a full-time job and caring for an injured or ill family member is a major source of stress for many Baby Boomers and is impacting their productivity and their health."  The study, which surveyed ComPsych employees who had accessed the company's Employee Assistance Program, found that "younger Baby Boomers, ages 45 to 54, are carrying the largest burden of family care responsibilities, with more than half saying they've taken time off from work due to their caregiving responsibilities." The article offers recommendations to employers on how they can help relieve the pressure felt by working caregivers.  For more information, visit:

In April, Genworth Financial released its 2010 Cost of Care Survey which reveals that the costs for all types of long-term care, including home and community-based care and residential care, have increased to varying degrees in recent years.  The survey reports on the average rates of home care providers, adult day health care, assisted living facilities and nursing homes by region, state, and in many cases, metropolitan area.  This year's report is one of the most extensive surveys of this type to date.  It reveals that, overall, the cost of care among facility-based providers has steadily increased, while "non-skilled care"-related home care costs have remained relatively flat.  For more information, visit:

The Campaign for Better Care recently released a survey that reveals that "most older adults, and particularly those with multiple chronic conditions, have experienced poor care coordination and a lack of information because their doctors aren't talking to each other or to them."  The survey of adults age 50 and older finds that three in four respondents (74%) have wished that their doctors talked and shared information with each other.  This issue impacts family caregivers, who are often the advocate and act as the care coordinator for adults with dementia or multiple chronic conditions.  For more information, visit:

The deadline to submit proposals for the 2010 National Respite Conference has been extended to May 17, 2010.  The conference, a program of the ARCH National Respite Network, is hosted this year by the Maryland Respite Care Coalition.  It will be held October 24-27 in Baltimore, Maryland.  The theme, RESPITE: Create It!, will showcase the creative ways in which respite care is delivered throughout the nation.  For more information, visit:

The National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA) is hosting the 26th National Home and Community Based Services Conference September 26-29, 2010 in Atlanta Georgia.  The conference will showcase national, state and local delivery and policy developments vital for assuring Americans of all ages and abilities receive the highest quality community living supports, care, and services possible.  Registration for the conference is now open.  For more information, visit: