Topics of the Week - Archive

October 12, 2007

Thought of the Week

He won't let the pain blot out the humor no more'n he'll let the humor blot out the pain.

-- One Flew Over the Cockoo's Nest

Action Alert: Lifespan Respite Care Act Senate Action Expected Next Week!

NTSAD strongly supports efforts underway to pass the Lifespan Respite Care Act, legislation that will expand the availability of and quality of respite care for people of all ages by providing grants to the States to support respite care programs.

The House version of fiscal year 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill, which passed the House in July, includes $10 million for the Lifespan Respite Care Acts. Currently, the Senate companion bill has no funding for Lifespan Respite BUT language could be include before the bill goes to the Senate as early as next week! The new law cannot be implemented in even a few states unless Congress appropriates the funding for the upcoming fiscal year.

Action:

Please contact your US Senators and urge them to accept the House proposal of $10 million for Lifespan Respite. Find your Senators' contact information by clicking here.

Talking Points:

Preserve the $10 million for Lifespan Respite Care Act passed by the House in the FY 08 Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations bill. The Act is based on model State Lifespan Respite Systems in Oregon , Nebraska , Wisconsin and Oklahoma , which provide easy access to an array of affordable, quality respite services; ensure flexibility to meet diverse needs; and assist with locating, training, and paying respite providers.

Respite, the most frequently requested family support service, has been shown to provide family caregivers with the relief necessary to maintain their own health, bolster family stability, keep marriages intact, and avoid or delay more costly nursing home or foster care placements.

In these times of serious budget constraints, the economic value that accrues from respite is exceptional. Delaying nursing home or institutional placement of just one individual with a chronic condition for several months can save Medicaid, private insurance, or the family thousands of dollars.

The nation's estimated 50 million family caregivers provide 80% of long-term care. The value of uncompensated family caregiving services to the U.S. economy is estimated at over $300 billion a year, more than twice what is spent nationwide on nursing homes and paid home care combined and comparable to Medicare spending in 2004.

American businesses lose $17.1 to $33.6 billion annually in lost productivity costs related to caregiving responsibilities.

Please, remember that you can call the office and speak with Diana or Kim with any concerns,
questions or suggestions - our door is always open!

Diana Pangonis
Interim Executive Director
Diana@ntsad.org
800-906-8723