House to vote on expansion of financial aid to caregivers
October 14th, 2007 - Posted in Education, Financial AidThe measure would enable more seniors to continue living in their own homes by allowing caregivers who aren’t related to them to apply for aid under the Pennsylvania Family Caregiver Support Program, said Rep. Phyllis Mundy, D-Kingston, the bill sponsor.
Ms. Mundy is chairwoman of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee.
In existence since 1990, the program allows family members who are caregivers to receive monthly reimbursement for care-related expenses and one-time grants to cover costs for adaptions to a residence such as ramps or handle bars.
Ms. Mundy said changing social trends justify allowing friends and neighbors who provide primary care for a senior to become eligible for the aid, too.
“In today’s world, people don’t have close family living near them,” she added.
Making it easier for non-family members to provide care has a practical side because it costs less for a senior to remain at home than enter a nursing home, said Ms. Mundy.
If enacted, the bill would put Pennsylvania’s program in line with a similar federal program that allows nonrelatives to receive assistance and carries no requirement that a caregiver live with the senior.
The bill would increase monthly reimbursements from $200 to $500 and grants from $2,000 to $6,000. These amounts have been in place since the program started.
The state Department of Aging will be able to draw on existing funding to cover the increased amounts if the bill becomes law, said Ms. Mundy.