DPT AGING-FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Creates the Family Caregiver Act, to be administered by the Department on Aging, for the purpose of encouraging family members to provide care for their elderly family members. Requires the Department to contract with area agencies on aging and other appropriate agencies to provide family caregiver support services to the extent of available funding. Provides that the services include counseling, training, and respite care. Requires the Department to seek federal funding for a demonstration project using nursing homes. Also authorizes caregiver support services for grandparents who are primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Amends the Respite Program Act. Deletes references to abused adults and to functionally disabled or cognitively impaired adults (so that the Act applies to "frail or disabled" adults). Defines a "frail or disabled adult" as a person age 60 (instead of 55) or older and who either (i) suffers from Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder or (ii) is unable to attend to his or her daily needs without assistance or regular supervision. Deletes references to the Council on Aging. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.