Family Caregiver Program Act (2009)

Federal bill would provide assistance to family caregivers of veterans in need of personal care services due to a serious injury incurred or aggravated during active duty. As part of the program, the VA would evaluate the services needed by each veteran, provide training and certification to the caregivers, designate a primary personal care attendant for each eligible veteran, provide ongoing family caregiver assistance to such family members, provide respite care when appropriate, and pay monthly caregiver stipends. The VA would conduct oversight of the caregiver assistance program, provide program outreach, and report on program implementation and evaluation. Family caregivers would be eligible for medical care through the VA.

Bill Number S. 801

Sponsor Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI)

Date of Introduction 4/2/2009

Latest Activity While this bill was not enacted, the Veterans' Caregiver and Omnibus Health Benefits Act (2009) was enacted on May 5, 2010 and has similar provisions.

More Info http://thomas.loc.gov/

Topic: Direct Services and Support for Caregivers