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Goal: To provide an overview of policies, programs, and advocacy for patients with chronic kidney disease and/or other illnesses and their caregivers.

Objectives:

Discuss the physical and mental burden of family caregivers who provide long-term at-home care for a family member with chronic kidney disease or other illness.
Explain ways states differ in their policies regarding assistance to family caregivers and patients of chronic diseases being cared for in the home setting.
Describe state and federal initiatives to assist patients and family caregivers in Connecticut and New Jersey.
Identify ways nephrology nurses may help families learn about state or federal programs to assist with their situation.

Author's Note: This research was funded in part by a dissertation grant from the American Nephrology Nurses' Association and was completed as part of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy, Yale University, New Haven, CT, under the author's previous name of Christine Ceccarelli.

Statement of Disclosure: The author reported no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this continuing nursing education activity.

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