In-Home CARE Act

More in‑home help for caregivers

This bill would create a Family Caregiver Grant Program run by HHS through the Administration for Community Living. The program would award competitive three‑year grants to local government agencies, health providers, and nonprofit groups. Grants would pay for an initial home visit with a caregiver assessment by a home care management expert and for home‑based training on topics like medication, wound care, nutrition, fall prevention, and caregiver self‑care. Grants would fund referrals or direct help for health care, mental health care, transportation, home modifications, respite, adult day services, support groups, and legal assistance. Grantees would be able to keep contact with caregivers for up to six months after visits by phone, email, or two‑way video. The Secretary would coordinate with existing caregiver programs, the VA, and CMS, set up a technical assistance center, evaluate the program within two years and annually after, and report to Congress before grants expire. The program would be authorized "such sums as may be necessary" to carry it out.