2016 Final Report of the Task Force on Family Caregiving and Long Term Supports

Maryland’s Task Force on Family Caregiving and Long-Term Supports was formed by SB 297, Ch 155 to “identify those policies, programs, and resources currently available to [caregivers], and also look for innovative and creative means to support [caregivers] as they provide in-home care and assistance …” A final report was issued and authorization for the Task Force ended October 30, 2016.

Several respite recommendations were made including:

Given that respondents to the 2015 Maryland Respite Caregiver Survey conducted by the Maryland Caregiver Support Coordinating Council (MCSCC) advised that 48% of these family caregivers currently have no access to respite care (a situation which likely increases stress and morbidity among a significant proportion of caregivers and care recipients), Maryland should develop a state plan for building needed capacity in this area.

Also at the recommendation of the Task Force on Family Caregiving and Long-Term Supports, legislation was enacted and signed by the Governor in April that renames the Maryland Caregivers Support Coordinating Council to be the Maryland Commission on Caregiving; alters the membership of the Commission to include certain members of the General Assembly; and requires the Commission to provide ongoing analysis of best practices in family caregiver support programs and to monitor implementation of the Commission’s recommendations. Their focus is lifespan.