Kathy Ritchie/KJZZ

Caregivers are hoping to advance a proposed state caregiving plan. They met at the Arizona Capitol on April 6, 2023.

The Arizona Caregiver Coalition held its annual caregiver day at the state Capitol on Thursday.  

For the last few years, the coalition focused on caregivers with aging loved ones. But this year was a little different.

"We're bringing together the Area Agencies on Aging, the organizations that support families with children with a developmental disability," said Jutta Ulrich. She’s the group’s executive director. The organization also introduced its proposed state caregiving plan.

"We are all targeting the same pots of money, which is one, I think, important criteria. And we have to just admit it's an important item. But we also have similar experiences, but slightly different," Ulrich said.

It can also be difficult for caregivers to find resources or even other caregivers.

"Arizona is very rich in services actually in programs and nonprofits. But too many caregivers still cannot connect," said Ulrich.

For Ulrich, there’s real value in bringing in caregivers from all walks of life.

"Maybe somebody was taking care of an aging parent, maybe meet somebody who's taking care of a child because they might have different ideas, a fresh approach," she said.

Kathy Ritchie/KJZZ

Caregivers are hoping to advance a proposed state caregiving plan. They met at the Arizona Capitol on April 6, 2023.