Virtual Visitation Bill (HB 135) Would Allow Family Members to Be Part of a Loved One’s Care Team

Getty Images

Representatives Demetrius Douglas (D-78), Alan Powell (R-32), Henry “Wayne” Howard (D-124), Lee Hawkins (R-27), and Mary Robichaux (D-48) introduced the Authorized Electronic Monitoring in Long-term Care Facilities Act (HB 135) in the Georgia House of Representatives.

This commonsense, bipartisan bill will give nursing home residents and their family members the ability to install a monitoring device in the resident's room.

This technology will afford an opportunity for virtual visitation, which will help family caregivers to remain connected with their loved ones, and to contribute by being a part of the resident's care team.

The National Council on Aging estimates that approximately 5 million to 7 million caregivers in the U.S. (about 15 percent of all caregivers) are long-distance caregivers, with that number projected to double from 2006 to 2020. Many have the same concerns and pressures local caregivers have -- including high levels of emotional distress. The ability for a family caregiver to use a monitoring device will provide the caregiver peace of mind by providing another way to view and interact with a loved one receiving care in a nursing facility.

More than 20,000 Georgians are currently residing within nursing facilities. This legislation would help protect seniors and persons with disabilities while giving caregivers and loved ones the tools they need to engage in the lives and care of their loved ones.

Click here to urge your state representative to Vote Yes on HB 135. For more information on HB 135, please click here.