HOME CARE FOR ELDERLY
House Bill 5161
Sponsor: Rep. Derrick Hale
Committee: Senior Health, Security and Retirement
Complete to 10-11-01
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5161 AS INTRODUCED 10-09-01
The bill would amend the Public Health Code to add a new section that would be known as the "Home Campaign Law". It would establish a Home Care Options for Michigan's Elders Campaign within the Department of Community Health. The bill states that "the legislature intends that the home campaign defray the cost of services that frail elderly individuals need to remain in the community, rather than being in institutional care".
Through the campaign, the department would be required to provide or pay for one or more of the following:
· Home-delivered meals;
· Chore services;
· Homemaker services;
· Respite care;
· Personal care;
· Adult day care;
· Private duty nursing;
· Mental health counseling;
· Caregiver training;
· Emergency response systems;
· Home modifications;
· Transportation; and,
· Medical equipment and supply services.
Under the bill, the department would have to provide or pay for the services according to a written care plan for the elderly individual that would have to include safeguards adequate to protect the health and welfare of the individual. The department could require a person with the financial means to pay a portion of the cost of the services.
In implementing the bill, the department could cooperate with or seek assistance from the Office of Services to the Aging, area agencies on aging, senior citizen centers, or other senior focused entities to provide outreach, enrollment assistance, and education services to potentially eligible frail elderly persons.
MCL 333.9141
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.