Senate Passes Legislation To Help Family Caregivers

The state Senate has passed legislation that would help family caregivers deliver care to older adults and others with long-term health needs in a home setting.

The Caregivers Advise, Record and Enable or CARE Act, was co-sponsored by Senator Joseph Griffo.

Griffo says the CARE Act would reduce further hospitalizations of patients by ensuring caregivers are involved in and educated about patients' needs and how to best meet them once they leave the hospital.

“There are many people driven by a sense of compassion to care for loved ones who no longer can care for themselves, and they often go above and beyond to do everything in their power to fulfill that obligation,” said Griffo.. “But still there are challenges that unnecessarily get in the way, and the Legislature should do what it can to support these dedicated caregivers. This bill promises to help caregivers make informed healthcare decisions and more effectively manage a patient’s needs.”

The bill is now awaiting action in the Assembly.