Caregiving Legislation Gaining Momentum in New York State
On June 1st, the New York State Assembly unanimously passed the Caregiver Advise, Record Enable Act, or CARE Act. This key piece of legislation would ensure that family caregivers would become more involved in the hospital discharge planning of their loved ones. If signed into law, the CARE Act would make it mandatory for hospitals to identify any family caregivers involved with the care of the patient. Hospitals would also be responsible for notifying this designated caregiver when discharge is scheduled. In addition, hospitals would be required to demonstrate for the caregiver the use of any new medical equipment or exercises being added to the patient's discharge plan.
The CARE Act was passed in the New York State Senate earlier this spring. If signed by the Governor, the CARE Act would better position caregivers to provide the type of care needed during the vulnerable period following departure from the hospital. According to AARP, which has championed the CARE Act across the country, a discharge process that involves greater communication with family caregivers will help prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions and potentially reduce costly rehab stays. Also referred to as Bill S676, The CARE Act is one way lawmakers in New York can "develop methods to enable caregivers to continue to support their loved ones at home and in the community."
In May, the introduction of another bill in the State Assembly, A.7532, focused on the needs of New York family caregivers. This legislation calls for the amending of current language under the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). If signed into law, spousal and parental caregivers, who are currently exempt from CDPAP, could receive compensation for their time and efforts caring for a loved one. A.7532, which has yet to be put to a vote in either the Senate or Assembly, would take effect on April 1, 2016.
|
Rethinking the Respite Riddle
res�pite
ˈrespət,rēˈspīt/
noun: A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.
Over the past year, we've looked across the state to identify innovative working caregiver respite programs. What we've found are several successful models where volunteers are providing a break for family caregivers. One thing I've found surprising is that there does seem to be a lack of consensus on a true definition of the term respite. As an example, I spoke with the leadership at a impactful volunteer-based program offering companion care to older adults in a downstate New York community. They declined to consider their initiative a caregiver respite program, commenting that their primary mission is keeping people in their homes for as long as possible, not providing breaks for caregivers. Though I'd argue that many would consider their offering a caregiver respite program, regardless of it's intent. So, what exactly does the term "respite" mean to you? We were lucky enough to present on our findings over the past several months earlier in June at the Aging Concerns Unite Us Conference in Albany. We took the opportunity to ask our audience to describe how they would define either an existing respite program in their community, or the ideal model of delivering relief for caregivers. Here are some of the responses we received:
Maybe the absence of a consensus on the topic of respite is a good thing. As you can see from the list above, the ideal vision of delivering respite care can vary from community to community. I look forward to seeing this important conversation continue to unfold throughout New York.
|
