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STATE LEGISLATION & POLICY
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1. Tennessee to expand caregiver support, in-home care
According to a September 1, 2003 Tennessean report, the state's governor is exploring the expansion of in-home care, including the provision of caregiver support services. The initiative stems from a settlement in the state's TennCare program, which includes Medicaid services to the low-income and elderly. The pilot program would begin providing some in-home services, including respite care. According to the article, the program would likely be "budget neutral." Read the article:
http://tennessean.com/government/archives/03/08/38559003.shtml?Element_ID=38559003
2. Texas posts changes to long-term care system
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has developed an overview of changes to the state's long-term care system that occurred in the 2003 legislative session. Changes include the possible expansion of consumer-directed options in the Texas Department of Human Services and temporary reductions to attendant care services. Download: http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/news/post78/LTC_Policy_Changes.html
3. Vermont report on aging services
In "Shaping the Future of Long-Term Care", the Vermont Department of Aging and Disability attempts to address the state's long-term care system and plan for the future needs of its residents. Though the report's section addressing caregiving focuses mainly on formal caregivers, the importance of family support and consumer direction is also mentioned. Download: http://www.dad.state.vt.us/reports/shapinglongtermcare.pdf
FEDERAL LEGISLATION & POLICY
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4. Senate approves NFCSP funding
The U.S. Senate has approved funding for the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), and other programs serving older persons and their family caregivers. According to the Senate appropriations committee, approved funding is the same as in Fiscal Year 2003 - $149 million dollars. The differences between the Senate and House versions of this bill must be reconciled before it is sent to the president for approval. Details: http://appropriations.senate.gov/releases/record.cfm?id=211112
RESEARCH & REPORTS
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5. NCC releases publications on LGBT caregiving and other issues
The National Center on Caregiving (NCC) at Family Caregiver Alliance has released a series of new publications addressing key caregiving issues and best practices. "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Issues and Family Caregiving"; "Practical Skills Training for Family Caregivers"; and "WorkPlace Programs for Family Caregivers: Good Business and Good Practice" are now available on FCA's website: http://www.caregiver.org
6. Brief on grandparents raising grandchildren brief
The Urban Institute has made available "Identifying and Addressing the Needs of Children in Grandparent Care." The brief focuses on children in the care of grandparents, highlighting the differences of this group of caregivers from other family and informal caregivers, and the unique challenges they may face. Download: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/310842_B-55.pdf
7. "Assessing Community Needs"
The Center for Medicare Education has developed the issue brief "Assessing Community Needs." The brief provides details on the process of developing and implementing a needs assessment; choosing a survey instrument; sampling; and data collection and analysis. Read the brief: www.MedicareEd.org
8. New Olmstead report
The National Council on Disability has released their latest Olmstead report "Olmstead: Reclaiming Institutionalized Lives." The report measures progress to date on implementation of the landmark Supreme Court decision, including the extent of unnecessary institutionalization in the United States; the continuing barriers to community placement; and resources and service models that facilitate community integration. Also included are descriptions of state programs that provide support to family and informal caregivers. Download:
http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/reclaimlives.html
JOURNAL ARTICLES
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9. Caregiving at the end of life
The September 2003 edition of the Journal of Aging and Mental Health includes "Caregiving and Its Impact on Families of the Terminally Ill." No abstract or article information is available at this time, however a sample copy of the journal can be ordered: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/13607863.html
CONFERENCES, MEDIA & MISCELLANEOUS
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10. New England caregiving town hall
The New England Family Caregiving Town Hall Meeting "Prepare to Care: From Information to Action!" will be held September 20, 2003, from 8:30 am-12:00 pm at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Library and Museum in Boston. The event is sponsored by the National Family Caregivers Association and a coalition of 40 New England community organizations. More details: http://www.nfcacares.org
11. "Building Caregiver Coalitions" webcast
The webcast "Building Caregiver Coalitions" will be held on September 30, 2003 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (E.S.T.). The broadcast, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, will feature a roundtable discussion and question-and-answer session with a diverse 12-member expert panel. The broadcast will provide an opportunity for interested parties and organizations to develop and discuss strategies that build state-focused coalitions to help to provide services and information to caregivers. More info: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships
12. Consumer direction conference
The Consumer Directed Health Care Conference is scheduled for November 10 - 12, 2003 in Nashville, Tennessee. While the conference does not directly address the role of families in consumer-directed care, several sessions do provide information on consumer direction and older adults, as well as on state and federal initiatives in this arena. Details: http://www.cdhcc.com
13. Health Action 2004 meeting
Families USA will hold their annual National Grassroots Meeting from January 22 - 24, 2004 in Washington, D.C. Conference info: http://www.familiesusa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=conference_2004
14. New publication addresses home modification issues
The newsletter "Home Modification News" has been launched to address a variety of issues related to home modifications. Published by the National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification, the endeavor is a project of The California Endowment and The Archstone Foundation. Subscriptions are accepted by email ([email protected]), or visit the website: http://www.homemods.org
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For questions or further information about Family Caregiver Alliance's National Center on Caregiving, contact us at [email protected].
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Caregiving PolicyDigest is a publication of the National Center on Caregiving, a program of Family Caregiver Alliance. The Digest is funded by the Archstone Foundation.
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