Enacts a volunteer program for in-home respite care of the elderly

Title of bill

An act to amend the elder law, in relation to providing for a volunteer program for in-home respite care of the elderly

Purpose/summary of provisions

To provide in-home respite care of the elderly in a cost efficient manner that utilizes voluntary service. The elder law is amended by adding two new sections 219-a and 219-b.

Justification

In-home care of our elderly has become a priority of utmost concern to many individuals in our society. Many of the elderly who desperately need in-home services are unable to obtain such services with their limited resources. Others rely on state assistance which is effective, yet can be costly to the state. In the former scenario, many of our elderly remain in their homes unattended with their lives literally in danger. This legislation would provide in-home services for those who need such services. The services shall be provided for by individuals on a voluntary basis, not to exceed 10 hours per week per volunteer. The office for the aging shall establish a registry of the names of the volunteers and shall credit them with the number of hours of service that each has performed for agencies approved by the office. The volunteer can then redeem accrued credits at a later date (upon request) when he/she is determined by the office for the aging to be in need of such in home services himself/herself.

If no volunteer is available to assist a person who has volunteered and is in need of assistance and such unavailability has been verified by the office, the person in need may obtain paid assistance at the rate which is no higher than the prevailing reimbursable rate established by the state for a unit of in-home services. The cost of such paid assistance shall be paid by the state if the person in question is not eligible for medicaid from funds appropriated therefor.

Fiscal implications

Not known at this time.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.