Del. Eileen Filler-Corn’s (D–41) . Photo contributed
Del. Eileen Filler-Corn’s (D–41) HB 1413 passed the full House of Delegates on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015. HB 1413 or the “CARE Act” addresses the important role of the informal and family caregivers and improved communication with them and medical providers. Specifically, the bill looks to improve healthcare and reduce preventable hospital revisits by having hospitals formally acknowledge a patient’s family caregiver at the time of admission and provide critical home care instruction before discharge.
“In Virginia today we know that the majority of older Virginia residents want to live independently at home. Family caregivers in Virginia help their loved ones achieve this. They are there when a person in need wakes up, when they fall asleep and in between. Simply put, they are the bedrock and foundation of our long term care system,” said Del. Filler-Corn.
The CARE Act will also strengthen the link between hospital care and home based care, an interface of critical importance that will need continued attention. “Many family caregivers perform a variety of nursing/medical tasks once provided only in hospitals. However, most family caregivers receive little or no training to do these tasks,” added Del. Filler-Corn.
Almost half of family caregivers reported they never received training to perform tasks of the kind and complexity once provided only in hospitals. “There is a need for HB 1413 and I believe that it is in the best interest of Virginia to implement this legislation,” continued Delegate Filler-Corn.
Most Virginians who receive assistance at home rely exclusively on unpaid family caregivers for help. In fact, family caregivers provide unpaid care valued at about $11.7 billion annually.
“Delegate Filler-Corn understands the critical role family caregivers play in hospital transitions and in keeping their loved ones from being rehospitalized. We are grateful for her leadership. Family caregivers have a big responsibility and this bill will make their lives a little easier,” said David DeBiasi, Associate State Director of AARP Virginia.