AARP Pennsylvania praised members of the state House of Representatives for last night approving the Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act that will help residents caring for an aging parent or loved one at home.
“Most seniors who receive assistance at home rely exclusively on unpaid family caregivers for help,” said AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh. “The CARE Act will provide much-needed support to the more than 2.7 million Pennsylvanians currently serving as unpaid caregivers, making it possible for their loved ones to live independently at home.”
Sponsored by Rep. Hal English (R-30), HB 1329 recognizes the critical role caregivers play in helping older Pennsylvanians remain safely at home and will reduce the risk of unnecessary hospital readmissions. The legislation features three key provisions:
• That a caregiver be designated upon a senior’s hospital admission • That the facility notify the caregiver of the discharge plan • That the facility provide an explanation and live instruction of all medical tasks – such as medication management, injections, wound care, and transfers – that the family caregiver will perform at home.
Similar legislation was previously approved in 14 states.
HB 1329 now moves to the state Senate for consideration.
