Life became a little easier for Hoosiers taking care of an aging parent or loved one with the new Caregiver Advise, Record, and Enable (CARE) Act, enacted on January 1, 2016.  The new CARE act is designed to support family caregivers after a hospitalization.  With many of the aging Hoosiers wishing to live independently as long as possible, most seniors look to family for support.  The law is a big help to caregivers who routinely provide care, as it allows for:

• You or your health care representative to name a friend or other family member as your Lay Caregiver;
• The Lay Caregiver receives notification from the hospital or rehabilitation facility (the “facility”) before you are discharged;
• The facility is required to provide the Lay Caregiver with an explanation and instructions for the post-hospital care, including medication management, injections, wound care, transferring from a wheelchair, and other tasks needed for the person's care at home;
• The facility must develop and communicate to the Lay Caregiver a home care plan, which may include live or recorded demonstrations to prepare the Lay Caregiver for the in home care needed.

The Lay Caregiver designation can be especially helpful in family situations where more than one child or caregiver helps with the care.  It enables all parties to be involved with your care and receive important notifications and instructions regarding home care.  

Please visit our Resources page for a Lay Caregiver Form.  If you are a Lay Caregiver or Health Care Representative that this may benefit, contact our office to discuss how this may assist your family in a loved one's care.