Legislature Can Provide Help for Caregivers

AARP Ohio is pressing for legislation that could improve communication between hospitals and family caregivers.

The Ohio Caregiving Act would allow every hospital patient to designate a family caregiver. It would also require the hospital to notify the caregiver about discharge plans and to show the caregiver how to perform follow-up medical tasks the patient will need at home, such as managing medications, dressing wounds or giving injections.

Nearly 1.5 million Ohioans serve as caregivers for their parents, spouses or other adults, according to a study, " Valuing the Invaluable," released in July by the AARP Public Policy Institute. These family caregivers provide nearly 1.4 billion hours of unpaid services annually, worth about $16.5 billion.

AARP Ohio is encouraging members to urge their legislators to support the bill. To contact your state representative and state senator, call 1-844-304-9857 toll-free.