Caregivers

Hiring relatives as caregivers remains a controversial policy issue. This two-state case study reports findings about views from policy experts regarding a policy option to hire family caregivers in HCBS long-term care programs. Policy makers also discussed information needed by other states considering this option and effective approaches to disseminate findings about this option from the Cash & Counseling Demonstration Evaluation.

Grant awards totaling approximately $2.25 million to 12 states to implement the Lifespan Respite Care Program were recently awarded, adding to the twelve states that received awards in 2009. Lifespan Respite Care programs are coordinated systems of accessible, community-based respite care services for family caregivers of children or adults of all ages with special needs. Find information about the implementation of the program, and learn more about the key activities of each of the grantees.

Dual eligibles comprise only 17% of the Medicare population but represent 28% of Medicare beneficiaries with five or more chronic conditions. Find key facts and analyses on older Americans and long-term care issues. DataBriefs examine health and supportive services and the people who use them, while exploring opportunities to improve care through the implementation of health reform. Each Databrief is offered in the form of a Powerpoint presentation and one page PDF.

Find out about a pilot program at four affordable housing properties for older adults in Washington, DC. With input from service coordinators, residents, and family caregivers, a two-part workshop was designed to increase caregiver capacity while strengthening the coordination between caregivers and service staff. Caregivers who participated in the workshops reported feeling more confident in their roles as well as more knowledgeable of resources.

Four groups of caregivers discuss their challenges in accessing caregiver services. Challenges include lack of access to internet and phone, cultural traditions which prevent self-identification as caregivers, and unexpected caregiving responsibilities for wounded veterans. Proposed solutions included assistance in navigating government programs, connecting new caregivers to peer mentors and caregiver networks, and an increased focus on assisting the care recipient and the caregiver.

Health Affairs has published a special issue devoted entirely to long-term care. Review articles on providers, issues related to Medicare and Medicaid, transition and diversion programs, new state strategies to meet LTC needs, quality of care, demographic issues, policy and financing, health spending, caregivers and the workforce, and palliative care and end-of-life.

Review this article addressing family policy questions that are often asked about consumer-directed services. Issues such as quality, suitability, and fraud and abuse are examined. Elder consumers and their caregivers who participated in the Arkansas Cash and Counseling program were interviewed. Analysis of responses demonstrates how this model can address both the needs of consumers with diverse disabilities and policy makers.

Find an example of a comprehensive, user-friendly guide to long term care planning. Developed by the District of Columbia, this publication provides a detailed overview of long term care (LTC) options, and includes information on understanding the need for LTC, costs, financing, and service and support options. Easy to understand graphics and data are included. This guide can serve as an example for other organizations looking to develop similar consumer-oriented materials.

Find a listing of caregiver services drawn from numerous sources by DHHS’ New Freedom Initiative Subcommittee on Caregiving members, speakers and other stakeholders. The list is not intended to be exhaustive or all-inclusive. It includes several programs developed to support the caregiver such as Caring From A Distance and the National Caregiver Alliance.

What provisions in health care reform will have the most direct impact on family caregivers? This overview discusses long-term care incentives, including the CLASS Act, Community First Choice Option, the extension of Money Follows the Person demonstration programs and ADRC initiatives. The brief also addresses care quality and coordination, and changes involving health care coverage and health care workforce development.