U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) on July 16 cosponsored a bipartisan bill to support the wellness of the nation’s 40 million at-home family caregivers.
Rep. Stefanik introduced the Supporting Family Caregivers Act, H.R. 3782, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Andy Levin (D-MI) to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to support at-home family caregivers, who allow families to avoid costly hospitalizations and assisted living facilities.
“Family and friends play a critical role in managing the health and wellness of their aging and sick loved ones, yet the evolving demands of providing care presents a significant challenge that can impact the well-being of caregivers,” Rep. Stefanik said on Tuesday.
The congresswoman added that via the use of individual needs assessments, the legislation “will give family caregivers the personalized support they need to provide high-quality care to their family members, while enhancing the coordination of available resources.”
Under H.R. 3782, such assessments would identify caregivers’ individual needs and challenges so that targeted services could be provided to them more effectively and efficiently, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Stefanik’s office.
H.R. 3782 has been referred to the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee for consideration.