In-Home CARE Act

Key Points

• This bill creates a competitive grant program for organizations to run home visiting programs that support family caregivers. Grants last three years and are managed through the Administration for Community Living.
• The program targets family members who provide unpaid in-home care for people with chronic conditions, disabilities, or other health issues. It aims to help these individuals stay out of hospitals and nursing homes.
• Caregivers would receive an initial assessment followed by hands-on training in complex medical tasks they often perform without any formal education, such as medication management, wound care, nutrition for special diets, and fall prevention.
• The program also covers caregiver mental health by training them on managing depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma. It includes self-care education and connects families to community services like respite care, transportation, and legal assistance.
• The bill requires HHS to evaluate the program based on outcomes like reduced hospitalizations, lower healthcare costs, and improved quality of life for both caregivers and care recipients. A report with recommendations goes to Congress before the grants expire.