Jun. 24, 2015
HARRISBURG – Legislation designed to support senior citizens and their family caregivers by keeping ailing residents in their own home longer has been approved by the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee this week, said the bill’s author, Rep. Hal English (R-Allegheny). The bill is known as the Caregiver Advise, Record and Enable (CARE) Act.
“I have had first-hand observations of the challenges that families face when caring for elderly loved ones,” said English. “This legislation takes some commonsense steps to aid family caregivers in their huge task. It is a bill that enjoys bipartisan support as many members on both sides of the aisle have signed on to help this effort.”
House Bill 1329 would require facilities to record the name of the family caregiver when someone is admitted to a hospital, and facilities would also be required to notify the designated caregiver when the patient is to be discharged to another facility or home. A live explanation or video instruction on the medical tasks necessary to care for the patient would be given by the facility in order to ensure a smoother transition back home and maximize recovery.
“This legislation was requested by volunteers of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) in the 30th Legislative District and around the Commonwealth,” said English. “Currently there is no law in Pennsylvania which designates a caregiver prior to discharge from a hospital. This legislation is needed. It is helpful to have a lay person know how to care for the patient after a hospital admission when the patient may be exhausted, distressed and anxious to go home, often forgetting the key instructions for care at home.”
The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.
Representative Hal English
30th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Raymond Smith
717.705.1834
rsmith@pahousegop.com
RepEnglish.com