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Head named to list of “Capitol Caregivers”

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – To recognize his work to support family caregivers in Indiana during last year’s session, AARP named State Senator Randy Head (R-Logansport) as a 2017 “Capitol Caregiver,” a bipartisan group of nearly 100 elected officials from more than 30 states. These leaders have advanced policies to support Indiana’s family caregivers, who help their parents, spouses and other loved ones live independently at home and in the community—where they want to be.

“AARP Indiana thanks State Senator Head for providing leadership in passing the Telemedicine Matters bill,” said Sarah Waddle, AARP Indiana state director. “This legislation will help make the big responsibilities of family caregivers in Indiana a little bit easier.”

HEA 1337, Telemedicine Matters, built upon the telemedicine legislation that passed the Indiana General Assembly in 2016 by removing barriers and expanding services, particularly for Hoosiers in rural communities.

Hundreds of 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. Today, many family caregivers even perform medical tasks like wound care, injections, and complex medication management.

“My colleagues and I saw the positive impact telemedicine could have on Hoosiers, especially those living in rural communities, and we wanted to expand the service,” Head said. “I am appreciative of everyone who had a hand in getting this bill passed, and I thank AARP for the award.”

AARP Indiana presented “Capitol Caregiver” awards to Sen. Head and the other recipients at an event on Wednesday evening.