2011 Legislative Priorities
5220 Beckwyck Drive
Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526-9293
Phone /Fax (919) 552-0254 ncadsa@gmail.com
2011 Legislative & Public Policy Priorities
Preserve Funding for State Adult Day Care Fund
The Governor's budget proposes a $1,106,000 cut to the limited state funds allocated to State Adult Day Care Fund, about 28% of the funding source. These funds pay for people to use adult day services, likely preventing abuse and neglect, while avoiding more costly institutional care. As part of the reduction, it is proposed that State Adult Day Care funds be limited to those between age 18 and 59.
Maintain Funding for Home and Community Care Block Grant
Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) funding is specifically for those individuals over the age of 60 who have a need for community-based services that are not otherwise paid for by Medicaid. A waiting list continues to exist and the number of North Carolinians over the age of 60 continues to grow. HCCBG funds are available to each county and can fund 18 different programs including Adult Day Care and Adult Day Health.
Establish a family caregiver tax credit for expenses incurred in caring for an older or disabled family member at home.
Enact the proposed changes to the adult protective services statutes as recommended by the State Adult Protective Services Task Force to improve the State’s capacity to serve vulnerable adults and provide appropriate funding for pilot programs to assess these changes.
What Are Adult Day Services Programs?
“Adult Day Services” are daytime programs designed to meet the needs of adults who require supervised care during the day, while returning to their homes or the homes of their loved ones in the evenings. Regular use of the health and social services offered in these programs helps reduce the risk of hospitalization and provides access to health and social services in a supportive environment. Many family caregivers can continue working when they take advantage of adult day programs for their loved ones. Continuing to support State Adult Day Care Fund and Home and Community Care Block Grant will keep the soaring number of aging adults who need supervision in their homes and communities, out of more costly long term care facilities for as long as possible.
An estimated 3,500 adults attend adult day programs daily in North Carolina.1
1 2007 NC Adult Day Services Association