HARTFORD – Today, the Connecticut State Senate passed comprehensive aging legislation contained in HB 5001, which supports home care workers and seniors. Senator Hwang spoke in strong support of this legislation that was endorsed by AARP and countless other aging-in-place advocates and organizations.
This legislation mandates enhanced training for home health aides and caregivers in identifying and addressing instances of harassment, abuse, and discrimination. Additionally, it establishes a default presumption of Medicaid eligibility for individuals requiring assistance while residing at home. Moreover, it introduces a digital platform, the State Nursing Home Consumer Dashboard, aimed at furnishing comprehensive insights into the quality of care within the state’s nursing home sector.
“I was thrilled to support HB 5001 as it passed the Senate and heads to Governor Lamont for signature. This landmark legislation reflected past efforts by me and other aging-in-place leaders and will provide crucial protections and support to our aging population and their families/caregivers. This bill contains multiple provisions that I have been pushing for years: an inventory of bad actors to protect home healthcare workers; training for homecare workers in dealing with harassment, elder abuse, and discrimination; and training for family caregivers on seeking help through an ombudsman when they meet a dead end. This legislation will do tremendous work to help our seniors age in the setting of their choice,” Senator Hwang stated.
Furthermore, the bill expands the State’s Homecare Program by offering financial support to Medicaid-eligible individuals to facilitate their continued residence at home, thereby circumventing the substantially higher costs associated with nursing home care. This 30-page bill hosted multiple provisions beneficial to Connecticut’s aging population, several of which Senator Hwang has championed throughout his legislative career.
“Our seniors deserve to age comfortably in a setting of their choice. They have contributed so much to their communities, and if they wish to age at home rather than in a nursing home, the state should make every effort to accommodate that. Home care is more cost-effective to the state than a nursing home and provides better health outcomes. I will continue to support state, community and supportive agencies’ efforts to help our seniors avoid nursing homes,” Senator Hwang added.
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