Share the Care Act passes the Senate

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Delaware’s Senate passed the Share the Care Act, SB 27, this week by a vote of 20-0. AARP is working with a statewide coalition of partners to pass the bill, and this vote moves it one step closer to becoming a law in Delaware.

The Share the Care Act would remove a legal barrier that prevents home health aides or personal care workers from giving medicines to patients at home. The bill would make it possible for families to delegate the task of giving routine pills, eye drops, etc. to aides/workers once a responsible family caregiver organizes the medication for the aide by date and time, and provides clear written instructions. Certain controlled substances will not be allowed to be given by aides.

The bill is not a mandate, but simply gives families the flexibility to allow an aide they trust to give their loved ones the medicine they need, when they need it. This bill will help caregivers balance life’s responsibilities, help their loved ones avoid missed medication, and help Delawareans remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

“The Share the Care Act allows Delawareans to age successfully and with dignity in their homes and communities, which is where they want to be,” said AARP State Director Lucretia Young. “We thank the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Jack Walsh and Rep. Paul Baumbach, for their leadership which helped usher the bill through all the necessary channels to ensure its passage in the Senate.”

Moving forward, AARP will continue to advocate for passage of SB 27, the Share the Care Act, in the House. Voters are encouraged to contact their State Representatives to urge passage of the bill, which will improve the quality of life for family caregivers and those receiving care.