Governor Bevin Signs Bill to help 650,000 Family Caregivers Kentucky

AARP today celebrates the enactment of the Kentucky Family Caregivers Act.  We applaud legislative leaders and Governor Bevin for signing this bill, which will benefit caregivers and their loved ones.

In addition to Governor Bevin, AARP Kentucky salutes the leadership of Paul Hornback, his co-sponsors Senators Julie Raque Adams, Danny Carroll, C.B. Embry, and Representative Addia Wuchner.

“Kentucky’s elected officials worked together on behalf of our state’s most passionate unpaid workers, family caregivers,” said Charlotte Whittaker, AARP Kentucky State President.

The legislation, Senate Bill 129, was passed unanimously by the Senate and the House.

The Kentucky Family Caregivers Act requires hospitals to recognize the vital role of caregivers when loved ones are admitted to a hospital and after discharge by providing caregivers with resources, training and information to ensure that patients’ discharge plans are carried out successfully. The new law will benefit caregivers and their loved ones as well as hospitals by helping to reduce hospital readmissions.

This new law will provide Kentuckians with the help they need as they face one of life’s most difficult and yet fulfilling challenges- caring for their loved ones,” continued Whittaker. “Family caregivers give so much of their time doing all they can to help others. The Kentucky Family Caregivers Act is an important way to help them. We salute the Governor and the Kentucky state legislature for the bipartisan support shown for family caregivers in the passage and signing of this bill into law.”

AARP Kentucky grassroots volunteers played a crucial role in securing this victory – from walking the halls of the Kentucky Capitol, to email campaigns, to driving calls into Senate and House offices – they were front and center to show their support for family caregivers.