Report Title:

Long-term Care Caregiver Resource Center

Description:

Makes appropriation to the Kapiolani community college to establish a long-term care caregiver resource center. (HB2112 HD1)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2112

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO ESTABLISHING A LONG-TERM CARE CAREGIVER RESOURCE CENTER AT KAPIOLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that helping the elderly to stay in their homes as they age reduces admissions to costly residential long-term care facilities. According to a recent study by British researchers, home care reduced the risk of death among the elderly by twenty-four to twenty-eight per cent, and reduced nursing home admissions by thirty-five per cent among all elderly patients and forty-five per cent for frail seniors. In addition, home care, particularly by relatives, provides intangible benefits such as general well-being and improved quality of life.

The legislature further finds that no entity in Hawaii currently provides caregiver instruction and support. Kapiolani Community College operated a caregiver program several years ago, but it was discontinued for lack of interest at the time. With an infusion of funding and the current demand for home care, Kapiolani Community College presents an ideal opportunity to establish a model caregiver resource center.

The purpose of this Act is to:

(1) Authorize the establishment of a long-term care caregiver resource center at Kapiolani Community College; and

(2) Appropriate funds for the center.

SECTION 2. (a) Kapiolani Community College may establish a long-term care caregiver resource center, or similar entity, that:

(1) Provides public education and awareness to promote long-term caregiving as a viable career option that is in demand and provides livable wages;

(2) Provides direct caregiver training, regardless of whether the caregiver is a family member or a third party or is licensed in other health fields; and

(3) Offers career counseling, continuing education, and professional development, as well as ongoing support, to individuals providing long-term care.

(b) The caregiver resource center shall serve as a model for other community college campuses on each island to establish similar programs.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005 for Kapiolani Community College to establish a long-term care caregiver resource center.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2004.