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Help Aims at Preparing Caregivers

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A new state law aims to better prepare family caregivers when a patient comes home from a hospital stay. The law, which took effect Jan. 1, could also reduce hospital readmissions.

The Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act allows every hospital patient to designate a family caregiver. The hospital must notify the caregiver about discharge plans and show the caregiver how to perform follow-up tasks the patient will need at home.

In New Hampshire, more than 173,000 family caregivers provide unpaid services valued at $2.2 billion per year. They help a parent, spouse or other adult with bathing, dressing, meals and transportation, as well as health care needs such as managing medications.

To request a wallet-sized card that summarizes caregivers’ rights under the law, email nh@aarp.org. Or pick up a card at your local ServiceLink aging and disability resource center. To find a center near you, go to servicelink.nh.gov.

About AARP States
AARP is active in all 50 states and Washington, DC, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Connect with AARP in your state.