We are working closely with local hospitals to improve care transitions

There are many changes occurring in health care as state and federal health programs are requiring our local hospitals, doctors, and insurers to help patients and caregivers better understand and manage their care.  New legislation in New York State, the Care Act, was signed into law and will become effective this spring.

It requires hospitals to allow patients to designate a caregiver in their patient records.  The caregiver would also have to be given training for any post-hospital care that they would need to provide to the patient such as changing bandages or using other supplies, for example.

Community Caregivers is working closely with our local hospitals on committees they have established to improve care transitions after leaving the hospital and to help patients be more engaged in self-management of their care.  Community Caregivers has also received some funding to offer a new Health Consumer Assistance Project to provide information to educate our volunteers, caregivers, and supporters and the general community regarding health consumer issues.  

Community Caregivers will also be conducting a number of health care consumer workshops in our local communities to educate individuals on how to access their medical records, designate health-care proxies, and understand how to work with providers after a hospitalization. We will also be distributing information on consumer health issues and make referrals for further assistance, if needed, for services available through the New York Connects program of the Albany County Department for the Aging.

In the coming months, Community Caregivers will have staff members who are available to discuss health consumer issues of concern to you regarding communication with your doctor, your hospital stay, in-home care and other issues. 

Community Caregivers Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides non-medical services, including transportation, and caregiver support at no charge to residents in Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, New Scotland, Berne, Knox, and the city of Albany through a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals with a desire to assist their neighbors.

To find out more about our services or our volunteer opportunities, please visit www.communitycaregivers.org or call 518-456-2898.

Editor’s note: Michael Burgess is a health care policy consultant at Community Caregivers Inc.