AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 9; Title 33; Title 52; Title 67 and Title 68, relative to relief for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia.
If enacted, the bill will amend several sections of the Tennessee Code to create a new chapter dedicated to caregiver support. Specifically, it would initiate a pilot program providing grants of up to $6,000 per year for qualified family caregivers, allowing them to offset eligible expenditures incurred while caring for their loved ones. This program is intended to run from July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028, with a proposed initial appropriation of $600,000 for the fiscal year 2025-2026, subject to legislative approval.
House Bill 0717, titled the 'Caring for Caregivers Act', aims to establish a financial relief program for family caregivers of individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease or related forms of dementia. The bill recognizes the challenges faced by caregivers, noting that they often incur significant costs and endure lost wages while providing necessary care to their family members. In response to these issues, the proposed legislation seeks to provide monetary assistance through grants to alleviate some of the financial burdens placed on these caregivers.
Overall, HB0717 represents a legislative effort to support informal caregivers providing essential care to family members with severe health conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. By introducing financial aid mechanisms, it seeks to lessen the economic strain on these individuals and improve the quality of life for both caregivers and their eligible family members.
While the bill has garnered support due to its intent to assist caregivers, it may face scrutiny regarding the sustainability of funding and the practical implications of its implementation. The concerns may revolve around whether the initial appropriations will be sufficient to cover the demand for grants over the pilot program's period, as well as the potential bureaucratic complexities involved in administering the fund and qualifying recipients. Additionally, there may be dialogue concerning the overarching impact of such relief programs on state-funded support systems for the elderly and disabled.