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STATE LEGISLATION & POLICY
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1. Arkansas Olmstead report
Arkansas has finalized the state's plan to address the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision. Among other measures to assist institutionalized persons transition back into the community, the plan recommends developing broad community-based supports for family and informal caregivers and expanding respite options. Read the report: http://www.state.ar.us/dhs/aging/olmarplan0303.html
2. Nevada single point of entry grants
The Nevada Department of Human Resources, Division for Aging Services announces the availability of funds for Single Point of Entry Grants for Caregiver Information and Assistance. Grants totaling about $700,000 will be awarded to organizations that can demonstrate that their programs can be replicated. Additional details: http://www.nvaging.net/grants/SPE/spe_app_3rd_yr.htm
3. South Carolina forums on HCBS services
The South Carolina Department of Human Services will host a series of public forums to promote consumer direction and access to home and community-based services for older persons and persons with disabilities. The forums will provide the opportunity for residents to offer feedback regarding proposed policy recommendations and strategies to promote greater consumer choice, control and access. Forum information: http://www.dhhs.state.sc.us/Default.htm
4. Washington report on consumer direction
This report evaluated Self-Directed Care, as mandated by pending legislation
(H.B. 1880), including evaluation of consumer satisfaction; service quality and consumer safety; instances and outcomes of consumer abuse and neglect; and whether coercion is a factor in self-directed care participation. Methods included surveys and interviews with participants in Self-Directed Care (consumers, individual providers, and case managers), and review of existing databases, complaint logs and reports, and field notes by department staff. Download the report: http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/mediloop_files/news/whatsnew.htm
FEDERAL LEGISLATION & POLICY
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5. Mikulski to offer caregiver tax credit amendment
During the current Senate debate on tax cut legislation, Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD) plans to offer an amendment that would provide a $5,000 tax credit for family caregivers or those needing care who have caregiving expenses. The amendment is one similar to that offered during the budget debate. The lawmaker has also announced her intention to introduce the measure as a stand-alone bill. More information:
http://mikulski.senate.gov/~mikulski/press/03/05/2003513913.html
6. Senate approves SSBG funding increase
The U.S. Senate has approved the CARE act (S. 476), which among its many provisions, includes a funding increase for the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG). Also known as Title XX, SSBG provides funding to states for a variety of community services, including respite care. Details: http://www.naswdc.org/advocacy/updates/041103.asp
RESEARCH & REPORTS
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7. New analysis of federal respite program
"A New Look at Community-Based Respite Programs" by Rhonda Montgomery evaluates the effectiveness of the Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Grants to States program. The author found that, despite expectations, the program did not create a need for services that did not already exist - also known as the woodwork effect. More information: http://www.aoa.gov/press/speeches/2003/04_Apr/speeches_archive_04_28.asp
8. Elder abuse and family caregiving
The National Center on Elder Abuse and the Institute on Aging have made available "Preventing Elder Abuse by Family Caregivers." The report looks at the link between caregiver stress and elder abuse, as well as the availability of services and resources for caregivers. Access the report: http://www.elderabusecenter.org/family/caregiver.pdf
9. Kaiser issue brief on women caregivers
The Kaiser Family Foundation has developed an issue brief on women and health care. "Women, Work, and Family Health: A Balancing Act" addresses women's many roles as care coordinator, including as caregivers for a loved one who is chronically ill, disabled, or frail. The publication includes statistics, barriers to care and other background information. Download the brief:
http://www.kff.org/content/2003/3336/
JOURNAL ARTICLES
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10. Community-based care for dementia caregivers
"Evaluating Community-Based Care for Dementia Caregivers: The cost-effectiveness of adult day services" appears in the March 2003 edition of The Journal of Applied Gerontology. For more information or a sample copy of the journal: http://www.sagepub.com/journalIssue.aspx?pid=1&jiid=4323
CONFERENCES, MEDIA & MISCELLANEOUS
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11. Alzheimer's funding available
The U.S. Administration on Aging has announced the availability of funds through the Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Grants to States Program. Funding ranges from $225,000 - $350,000. The deadline for applying is June 16, 2003. Funding details: http://www.aoa.gov/doingbus/fundopp/fundopp.asp
12. Brain tumor conference
"Sharing Hope" is the theme of the American Brain Tumor Association's sixth biennial meeting. It will be held from July 18 - 20, 2003 in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. Sessions will include caregiver rejuvenation topics, among other presentations. Conference information: http://www.abta.org/events1.htm
13. UK "Carers Week" radio broadcast
Care Radio will be broadcasting live during the UK Carers Week, from June 8 - 15, 2003. The broadcasts can be listened to via the internet and will include a mixture of information and informative discussion specifically directed towards carers (caregivers), those they care for, and service providers. Care Radio will be broadcasting to an international audience and will conduct live interviews with interested parties around the world. To participate or for more details: http://www.careradio.co.uk/.
14. FCA fact sheets in Spanish
Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) has released 17 Fact Sheets in Spanish for caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's disease, stroke, Parkinson's disease or other chronic disorders. The Fact Sheets cover topics ranging from caregiving tips and strategies, health conditions, legal issues to end-of-life planning. Download here.
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For questions or further information about Family Caregiver Alliance's National Center on Caregiving, contact us at PolicyDigest@caregiver.org.
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Information provided for subscription registration is used only for the purpose of improving this service and tailoring it to the needs of its audience. Information provided to us will not be shared with any other organization, agency, corporation, entity or third-party.
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.
©2003 Family Caregiver Alliance
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