OK HR1008

Recognizes family caregivers as providing vital support for older adults, with an estimated 596,000 adults in the state providing unpaid care equating to 570 million hours annually valued at $6 billion.

Encourages creation of a special unit within the Aging Services Division of the Department of Human Services to recruit, retain, and support both family and paid caregivers for older adults.

Supports home-based care services as a cost-effective alternative to nursing home care, noting that 70% of people with Alzheimer's disease live at home and require assistance with daily living activities.

Directs the Aging Services Division to provide additional information and education on supporting older adults in their homes through both family caregivers and paid professional caregivers.

Mandates distribution of the resolution to Marjorie Lyons, State President of AARP Oklahoma.