To recognize her work in supporting family caregivers, AARP has named State Rep. Cindy Kirchhofer as a 2017 Capitol Caregiver, a bipartisan group of nearly 100 elected officials from more than 30 states.
Kirchhofer, who represents Beech Grove, has advanced policies to support caregivers who help their loved ones live independently at home.
“AARP Indiana appreciates State Rep. Kirchhofer for continuing her efforts to improve upon telemedicine in our state,” said Sarah Waddle, AARP state director. “Telemedicine (a modern tool that gives patients access to medical care, regardless of location or ability to travel) can play a meaningful role in helping not only the patient but also the family caregiver who is providing the bulk of that patient’s care.”
Thousands of Hoosiers provide unpaid care for their older parents, spouses and other loved ones – a contribution valued at about $9.4 billion annually. They help with bathing and dressing, meal preparation, managing finances, transportation, grocery shopping and more. Many caregivers even perform medical tasks like wound care, injections and complex medication management.
“For many people, especially in rural areas, it is sometimes difficult to get to a doctor’s office,” Kirchhofer said. “Telemedicine offers patients and providers the flexibility to communicate across long distances. Minor ailments and issues can be addressed remotely, while a more serious matter can be flagged for an in-person consultation.”
Kirchhofer, who represents Beech Grove, has advanced policies to support caregivers who help their loved ones live independently at home.
“AARP Indiana appreciates State Rep. Kirchhofer for continuing her efforts to improve upon telemedicine in our state,” said Sarah Waddle, AARP state director. “Telemedicine (a modern tool that gives patients access to medical care, regardless of location or ability to travel) can play a meaningful role in helping not only the patient but also the family caregiver who is providing the bulk of that patient’s care.”
Thousands of Hoosiers provide unpaid care for their older parents, spouses and other loved ones – a contribution valued at about $9.4 billion annually. They help with bathing and dressing, meal preparation, managing finances, transportation, grocery shopping and more. Many caregivers even perform medical tasks like wound care, injections and complex medication management.
“For many people, especially in rural areas, it is sometimes difficult to get to a doctor’s office,” Kirchhofer said. “Telemedicine offers patients and providers the flexibility to communicate across long distances. Minor ailments and issues can be addressed remotely, while a more serious matter can be flagged for an in-person consultation.”
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