The Family Caregiver Council, created by Governor Spitzer as part of the 2007 Executive Budget, met three times in 2007 and plans are underway for a meeting in March. The Council's goals are to provide a strong statement of support for family caregivers; undertake a comprehensive mapping and evaluation of existing services and family caregiver needs; review key policies and practices; establish a mechanism to coordinate these activities and to propose new and expanded services and policy implementation; and focus on strengthening local agencies to reach, assess, and support caregivers. As part of the Council's work, NYSOFA dedicated the November issue of this monthly newsletter to recognize and support family caregivers. Next steps to support caregivers include the dissemination of important resource information that caregivers will find helpful during encounters with the health care delivery system. The information will be useful for individuals and agencies.
The Council, with the support of NYSOFA and other state agencies serving as ex-officio members, has formulated preliminary policy recommendations based on the premise that services incorporate cultural, linguistic, age-related, and disability competencies; address caregivers caring for people across the lifespan and across all disability areas and recognize their valuable role in supporting their loved ones; and focus on the reality of people's lives, recognizing the holistic nature of the caregiver and care receiver. These themes are intended to be inclusive of all relationships that provide voluntary caregiving, including partner, friend and faith community member and those already included in legal definitions of family.
The Council's recommendations were grouped into five categories: expanding community support services for caregivers; increasing information and outreach; ensuring housing options and supports; upholding the rights of caregivers; and developing a state and local infrastructure. Council Chair Cynthia Fountain and Vice Chair Brigette Castellano conveyed the preliminary recommendations to Governor Spitzer, thanking him for "the opportunity to provide guidance that will enable the state to develop policies and programs that promote caregiving in the most appropriate environment by reducing barriers and enhancing support for the individuals who provide care for friends, family or community members of all ages and all levels of ability." For more information on budget initiatives that support caregiving, please see story on pages 1 and 3.
