A resolution that would create a study committee to determine policy goals and identify legislative actions to improve family caregiving is making its way through the Senate. Democratic Whip Sen. Harold Jones II, D-Augusta, first introduced Senate Resolution 323 in the 2023 session, but it did not get approval prior to the end of the session. The legislation was recommitted to the Senate on the first day of the 2024 session, and recently made it through the Rules Committee.
“Family caregiving is a labor of love, and those who undertake this responsibility deserve our admiration and assistance,” said Jones. “By creating this study committee, we are taking the first significant step in recognizing the challenges faced by caregivers and addressing their needs comprehensively.
“I am confident that with the continued support of my colleagues in the Senate, we can successfully pass this important study committee. Our commitment to improving caregiver services will make a positive difference in the lives of countless families across Georgia.”
According to Jones, SR 323 addresses the urgent needs of Georgia’s rapidly growing senior population and over a million family caregivers. The resolution states that Georgia family caregivers provide over 1 billion hours of care per year.
The resolution states: “Family caregiving is more than just an act of love and family responsibility but is a critical element that supports the healthcare system; and family caregivers handle difficult medical tasks including providing injections, managing medical equipment, and performing personal hygiene care tasks for their loved ones.”
The resolution also states that family caregivers must advocate for their loved ones, coordinate care through complex health insurance plans, contend with transportation obstacles, and address other care concerns.
“Many family caregivers are employed in the workforce, which can create difficulty for such caregivers as they care for their loved ones; and employers of family caregivers face economic impacts as such employers may lose valued employees because of the family caregivers’ care obligations,” the resolution states. Family caregivers deserve our support and assistance.”
