New Law Helps Family Caregivers

AARP wants to make sure nearly 650,000 family caregivers in the state are aware of a new law and how it affects them.

The Kentucky Family Caregivers Act, which took effect June 29, aims to ease the transition from hospital to home for patients and their caregivers. The law requires hospitals to let every patient designate a caregiver, to notify the caregiver when the patient is to be discharged, and to give instructions on followup tasks the patient will need at home.

AARP pressed for passage of the law and is offering free wallet cards summarizing its provisions. To get a copy, go to aarp.org/caregiver-wallet-card and click on Kentucky. Keep the card in your wallet so you will have the information when you need it.