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STATE LEGISLATION, POLICY & REPORTS
1. Minnesota: Creation of Internet-Based Caregiver Support Program
http://tinyurl.com/n4wo5
2. Idaho: Establishment of Medicaid Benefits for Family Caregivers
http://www3.state.id.us/oasis/S1390.html
3. New Mexico: Medicaid-Eligible Nursing Home Residents to Have Option to Return to Community
http://tinyurl.com/sxfzr
4. Washington: Family and Medical Leave Act to Become Law
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2392&year=2006
5. Virginia: Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission Extended to 2009
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+ful+HB997ER
FEDERAL LEGISLATION, POLICY & REPORTS
6. New Resource for Long-Distance Family Caregivers
http://tinyurl.com/munxd
7. Guide for Families and Friends of People with Medicare
http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11034.pdf
8. Dramatic Changes in U.S. Aging and Caregiving Statistics Highlighted in New Report
http://www.census.gov/prod/2006pubs/p23-209.pdf
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
9. United Kingdom: Research Examines Relationship Between Informal Caregiving and Employment
ftp://ftp.iza.org/dps/dp2010.pdf
10. United Kingdom: New Data Released on Referrals, Assessments, and Packages of Care Program for Adults and Caregivers
http://tinyurl.com/rhyvc
RESEARCH REPORTS & JOURNAL ARTICLES
11. Analysis of State Long-Term Care Programs’ Consolidation Efforts
http://tinyurl.com/pvwu2
12. Review of Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities
http://www.nhpf.org/pdfs_bp/BP_HCBS.Waivers_03-03-06.pdf
13. Understanding Implicit Memory May Improve Caregiving Behavior
http://pnpcsw.pnpco.com/cadmus/testvol.asp?journal=alz&year=2006
CONFERENCES & TRAININGS
14. FCA Presentations on Caregiving
http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=1588
15. Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Conference: September 11-14, 2006
http://www.alz.org/careconference/06/proposals.asp
16. Conference on Home and Community Supports: October 3-6, 2006
http://www.nasua.org/waiverconference/
FUNDING, MEDIA & MISCELLANEOUS
17. New Online Resource for Family Caregivers
http://www.strengthforcaring.com
18. Grants for Development of Dementia-Specific Day Programs
http://www.brookdalefoundation.org/respiteprogram.htm
19. New Book: The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers
http://tinyurl.com/ow5m5
STATE LEGISLATION, POLICY & REPORTS
1. Minnesota: Creation of Internet-Based Caregiver Support Program
A bill in the Minnesota Legislature (S.B. 2565) directs the Minnesota Board on Aging to create an Internet-based support program for caregivers to provide them with the information and tools needed to self-manage, plan and coordinate the day-to-day activities and care outcomes of family members. The Internet program will contain links to information and services, message boards, and opportunities for data collection of caregiving activities. For more information, visit:
http://tinyurl.com/n4wo5
2. Idaho: Establishment of Medicaid Benefits for Family Caregivers
The Idaho Legislature has introduced a bill (S.B. 1390) that would require the State’s Director of Health and Welfare to establish a Medicaid benefit for family caregivers of persons who do not currently meet the criteria for nursing facility levels of care but who show evidence of physical or mental health or emotional problems from the strain of caregiving. The bill also requires use of an established scale to assess the well-being of caregivers, and to determine eligibility for respite benefits. For more information, visit:
http://www3.state.id.us/oasis/S1390.html
3. New Mexico: Medicaid-Eligible Nursing Home Residents to Have Option to Return to Community
New Mexico’s Governor recently signed into law legislation (H.B. 353) that allows Medicaid-eligible older adults and disabled individuals to choose to return to community-based living. Individuals already residing in nursing facilities have the option to transfer their Medicaid funds to pay for home and community-based services. For more information, visit:
http://tinyurl.com/sxfzr
4. Washington: Family and Medical Leave Act to Become Law
Washington State’s Governor will sign into law a bill (H.B. 2392) to modify the state’s existing family and medical leave law to conform, in part, to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act. An employee will be entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave during any 12 month period to care for a family member with a serious health condition, a newly born or adopted child, or oneself. The employee’s job or an equivalent job is guaranteed upon return to work. For more information, visit:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2392&year=2006
5. Virginia: Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission Extended to 2009
Legislation (H.B. 997) was recently enacted to extend the sunset date of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission. The Commission examines the needs of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders and the needs of their caregivers, and advises the Governor and General Assembly on policy, funding, and other issues relating to these needs. For more information, visit:
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+ful+HB997ER
FEDERAL LEGISLATION, POLICY & REPORTS
6. New Resource for Long-Distance Family Caregivers
A new publication from the National Institute on Aging provides long-distance family caregivers with ideas and resources for making caregiving more manageable and satisfying. The booklet is organized in a question/answer format, with 20 of the most common caregiving questions. It includes information about visits with a loved one’s doctor, long-term care, geriatric care managers, advance directives and living wills, ideas to stay involved as a long-distance caregiver, and controlling frustration, For more information, visit:
http://tinyurl.com/munxd
7. Guide for Families and Friends of People with Medicare
Medicare Basics, a new publication from the Department of Health and Human Services, offers information and suggestions for finding more resources for families and friends of people with Medicare. The publication highlights eight “decision points” related to the health or overall well-being of an older person that may be helpful to caregivers. Topics in the publication include planning for long-term care, prescription drug coverage, home health care and community services, nursing facilities, and hospice care. For more information, visit:
http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11034.pdf
8. Dramatic Changes in U.S. Aging and Caregiving Statistics Highlighted in New Report
The U.S. Census Bureau recently published a report on older adults and caregiving activities, among other topics. In July 2003, there were nearly 36 million people aged 65 and older in the U.S., with this population projected to double in 2030. The report discusses the impact of Alzheimer’s disease, citing that more than seven out of ten people with the disease live at home and 75 percent of them receive care from family caregivers. The economic effect of the disease is estimated at $80 - $100 billion annually due to health care expenses and lost wages of patients and their caregivers. For more information, visit:
http://www.census.gov/prod/2006pubs/p23-209.pdf
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
9. United Kingdom: Research Examines Relationship Between Informal Caregiving and Employment
A report from the Institute for the Study of Labor uses data from the British Household Panel Survey to examine whether informal caregiving contributes to individuals leaving work. More than 40 percent of respondents in the survey provided informal care for a loved one at least one year within the period 1991-2003, and caregivers were less likely to continue paid employment while caregiving. The researchers sought to determine if informal caregiving causes one to leave the workforce, or if individuals take up caregiving because of a lack of employment opportunities. Among its findings, the study concludes that caregivers who live with the people they are caring for have reduced employment rates compared to caregivers living in separate residences. For more information, visit:
ftp://ftp.iza.org/dps/dp2010.pdf
10. United Kingdom: New Data Released on Referrals, Assessments, and Packages of Care Program for Adults and Caregivers
A new report presents comprehensive data for the period April 2004 to March 2005 for the Referrals, Assessments, and Packages of Care (RAP) project for adults and their caregivers who are receiving community care. The report indicates that nearly 200,000 caregivers had a needs assessment at least once during this period, with approximately 74 percent receiving some sort of service. Of this population, 45 percent received caregiving-specific support services, while 55 percent received information only. For more information, visit:
http://tinyurl.com/rhyvc
RESEARCH REPORTS & JOURNAL ARTICLES
11. Analysis of State Long-Term Care Programs’ Consolidation Efforts
A new report by AARP focuses on states’ consolidation efforts for long-term care programs, policies, and budgets. Many states’ long-term care programs are fragmented, resulting in confusion for consumers and their caregivers as they try to understand and enroll in a variety of programs across several state agencies. Findings from this report indicate that the primary purpose of states’ consolidation programs is to overcome barriers to providing access and choices to consumers for long-term care. The publication examines how several states have accomplished consolidation and a checklist of steps toward consolidation to serve as a resource for state policymakers. For more information, visit:
http://tinyurl.com/pvwu2
12. Review of Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Program for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities
A paper published by the National Health Policy Forum reviews the history and background of the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program. It describes the eligibility and financing structure of the program and summarizes the provisions in the recently passed Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 that may expand HCBS. The paper also discusses how HCBS programs are helpful in supporting family caregivers, such as by providing respite and consumer choice in support services. For more information, visit:
http://www.nhpf.org/pdfs_bp/BP_HCBS.Waivers_03-03-06.pdf
13. Understanding Implicit Memory May Improve Caregiving Behavior
A report in the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias discusses the differences between implicit and explicit memories and how they relate to caring for individuals with memory loss. It is often assumed that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease have no lasting memory of conversations and events. The author of this article proposes that an individual may have impaired explicit memory resulting in the person being unable to recall a certain event (i.e. an argument) but can still have intact implicit memory of the event which can affect the individual’s behavior. A seemingly irrational response or behavior is often attributed to a side effect of Alzheimer’s disease but may instead be a reaction to an inability to communicate because of compromised memory. An understanding of implicit memory may improve caregivers’ interactions with their loved ones. For more information, visit:
http://pnpcsw.pnpco.com/cadmus/testvol.asp?journal=alz&year=2006
CONFERENCES & TRAININGS
14. FCA Presentations on Caregiving
Senior Family Caregiver Alliance staff will be presenting on caregiving issues at several sessions at the 2006 National Council of the Aging and the American Society on Aging Joint Conference. The conference takes place March 16-19, 2005 in Anaheim, California. For more information, visit:
http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=1588
15. Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Conference: September 11-14, 2006
The Alzheimer’s Association will hold its 14th annual Dementia Care Conference September 11-14, 2006 in Atlanta. The conference is intended for administrators, social workers, nurses, therapists, and professionals dedicated to the care of people with dementia and their families. Submissions for education sessions and learning stations will be accepted through March 15, 2006. For more information, visit:
http://www.alz.org/careconference/06/proposals.asp
16. Conference on Home and Community Supports: October 3-6, 2006
The National Association of State Units on Aging, the Minnesota Board on Aging and the Minnesota Department of Human Services are hosting a conference about home and community-based services (HCBS) October 3-6, 2006 in Minneapolis. The conference will focus on federal initiatives, grant programs and best practices, and is designed for a broad range of professionals who administer and operate HCBS programs at the national, state and local levels. Conference organizers are accepting proposals for workshops, open forums, and poster sessions, which are due by April 14, 2006. For more information, visit:
http://www.nasua.org/waiverconference/
FUNDING, MEDIA & MISCELLANEOUS
17. New Online Resource for Family Caregivers
Johnson & Johnson, in partnership with the U.S. Surgeon General and leading aging and caregiving organizations, has launched a new caregiver initiative and website to support family caregivers. The national campaign is designed to enhance public awareness of the vital role of family caregivers and to provide resources to assist caregivers in maintaining their own health and well-being while caring for others. Information from Family Caregiver Alliance and other organizations is included in the site. To view the website, visit:
http://www.strengthforcaring.com
18. Grants for Development of Dementia-Specific Day Programs
The Brookdale Foundation will be making grants available to qualified organizations for the development of dementia-specific social model adult day programs. The Foundation will be funding up to 15 new sites nationwide, each receiving $7,500 in year one and $3,000 in year two. Applications are due by July 6, 2006. For more information, visit:
http://www.brookdalefoundation.org/respiteprogram.htm
19. New Book: The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers
A new book by Dr. Barry J. Jacobs will help support family caregivers as they care for their loved ones. The Emotional Survival Guide for Caregivers: Looking After Yourself and Your Family While Helping an Aging Parent tells the story of two sisters and their ailing mother as they cope with illness, relationships, and the health care system. The book offers practical caregiving advice and discusses common caregiving tasks, such as: defining commitments; utilizing support; handling sacrifice; weighing hope and acceptance; fostering awareness and flexibility; protecting intimacy; and sustaining the spirit. The book will be available in June, 2006. For more information, visit:
http://tinyurl.com/ow5m5
©2006 Family Caregiver Alliance. All rights reserved.
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