Senator Carroll Honored for Family Caregivers Act

Executive Council Member Dr. Merrylyn Moran Smith delivers honors to state Senator Danny Carroll in Frankfort.

Senator Danny Carroll (Paducah) received recognition for his leadership and support for Kentucky’s Family Caregivers in the Kentucky General Assembly.  AARP Kentucky presented Senator Carroll with the “AARP Kentucky Family Caregivers Act” Award to recognize his support and commitment to Kentucky’s 650,000 family caregivers and their loved ones.

AARP Kentucky's newest Executive Council Member Dr. Merrylyn Moran Smith presented Senator Carroll (Paducah) with his award in Frankfort during a break in the General Assembly.

“AARP  Kentucky thanks Senator Carroll for being a champion for all family caregivers today and tomorrow. At some point, we will all be a caregiver, or need a caregiver,” said Dr. Merrylyn Moran Smith. “We applaud his vision and leadership on behalf of Kentucky’s most passionate unpaid workers, family caregivers.” 

Senator Carroll represents Kentucky’s 2nd Senate District. AARP Kentucky serves more than 470,000 AARP members across Kentucky.

The Kentucky Family Caregivers Act  (Senate Bill 129) 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, passed in the 2017 General Assembly, benefits caregivers and their loved ones as well as hospitals by helping to reduce hospital readmission.

“The Kentucky Family Caregivers Act is just a first step to providing a little bit of help for family caregivers,” added Dr. Smith. “AARP is continuing to seek more support, help at home, and workplace flexibility for the state’s family caregivers.”

AARP has more family caregivers resources. Go: