Cathy McLeer: The Gift of Paid Family and Medical Leave

Hello Alzheimer's host Karla Hult talks with Cathy McLeer, the State Director of AARP Minnesota. The two discuss all the details related to the state's new Paid Family and Medical Leave program, which offers caregivers (and others) an opportunity to care for themselves and their loved ones without losing their job. Importantly, Cathy shares her expertise from the profound dual perspectives of an AARP leader and daughter, who's walking alongside her parents during her dad's dementia marathon. Among the resources mentioned during this conversation: * The state website about Paid Family and Medical Leave; * AARP's website dedicated to the new Minnesota program; * The U.S. Department of Labor overview of paid leave and similar programs around the country; * The National Conference of State Legislatures summary for each state; * AARP also offers abundant caregiver resources and referrals, nationally, and in Minnesota. As always, you can also reach out to Karla -- [email protected] -- for help getting started. You're not alone. And further proof of that fact: * Support for this episode comes from AARP. AARP Minnesota championed the state’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave, which started on Jan. 1. And now, AARP wants to help you prepare for what this change could mean for you and your loved ones. Under the Paid Family and Medical Leave program, care partners can take time off to care for family, while still getting part of your pay and while knowing your job will be there when you return.  Please learn more at aarp.org/MNpaidleave.