CARE ACT: New Law to Help Family Caregivers in New York

In 2016, New York became the most populous state in the nation to support family caregivers with the CARE Act. The law, which became effective in April 2016,  supports the 2.58 million family caregivers in New York as their loved ones go into the hospital and as they transition home.

What is the CARE Act?

The  CARE Act takes three commonsense actions that will make a world of a difference to family caregivers by requiring hospitals to:

1. Allow patients to designate one or more family caregivers when the patient is admitted.
2. Notify the caregiver when the patient is to be moved or discharged.
3. Provide that caregiver with adequate instruction for the care the patient will need following the patient’s discharge from the hospital.

Why is the CARE Act needed?

For many, family caregiving is more than just household chores and rides to the doctor. Family caregivers are often asked to perform medical/nursing tasks such as medication changes, wound care, nebulizers and more that can quickly become part of a daily routine.

Fellow family caregivers, remember, you’re not alone.

• To find the tools and support you need, as well as ways to connect with other caregivers, visit the AARP Caregiving Resource Center.
• To stay up to date or get involved with our caregiving advocacy in the states, sign up for the AARP Advocates e-newsletter or visit our state Facebook page.
• Share your caregiving story and hear from other caregivers just like you.

To request a free CARE Act educational wallet card, please send your mailing address to us at aarpny@aarp.org and we will drop yours in the mail TODAY!