In keeping with New Year Tradition here is my take off on the ever-present Ins and Outs Lists. Mine is called: A Short List of What Is and What I Hope will Be in 2008
WHAT IS
Presidential candidates are starting to talk about family caregivers
WHAT I HOPE WILL BE
The newly elected president makes improving chronic long-term care a priority and pledges assistance for family caregivers in terms of education, their own healthcare and finances
WHAT IS
Good studies exist about the impact of family caregiving
WHAT I HOPE WILL BE
The Institute of Medicine receives funding to prepare a comprehensive report with recommendations for solving the problems associated with family caregiving. IOM reports are independent and highly respected. They invariably move issues forward
WHAT IS
The Family and Medical Leave Act (It applies to companies with 50 or more employees)
WHAT I HOPE WILL BE
Passage of the Healthy Family Act that will guarantee all workers 7 days paid sick leave
WHAT IS
The Lifespan Respite Care Act was passed but no money was appropriated for it
WHAT I HOPE WILL BE
The entire authorization of $40 million gets put into the 2009 budget. (Bills include authorized spending amounts, but unless the money is actually appropriated in the budget no activity can occur, no actions can be taken.)
WHAT IS
The majority of family caregivers remain isolated
WHAT I HOPE WILL BE
Family caregiver support communities abound in communities across the country lending a helping hand, providing on-going links between family caregivers, removing feelings of isolation and building an-interconnected family caregiver network for education, support, and advocacy
