New Law a Big Boost for Family Caregivers

Virgin Islanders who care for an aging loved one at home just got a huge boost of support from the legislature. A new law, which took effect March 30, improves communication and coordination between hospitals and family caregivers.

The Caregiver Advice, Record and Enabling (CARE) Act allows every hospital patient to designate a family caregiver and requires the hospital to notify the caregiver before the patient is transferred or discharged. It also requires the hospital to show the caregiver how to perform medical tasks the patient will need at home, such as managing medications or dressing wounds.

In addition, the law allows government workers who do double duty as unpaid family caregivers to have four hours of paid administrative leave per month to handle caregiving responsibilities.

For more information, go to aarp.org/vi.