Bill > S00903

This bill amends the New York elder law to expand the definition and support for informal caregivers, broadening the scope of who can be considered an informal caregiver and what assistance they may provide. The legislation defines a "person in need of assistance" as anyone requiring help with daily living activities, which replaces the previous more restrictive language about "frail or disabled persons." The bill adds new definitions for terms like "older adult" (60 years or older) and "minor" (17 years or younger), and explicitly allows informal caregivers to provide care even if they do not live in the same household as the person needing assistance. The bill directs the director of the program to develop training curricula that is adaptable to various personal needs and sensitive to ethnic and community characteristics, and requires providing technical assistance, grants, and guidelines to support informal caregivers. The training will cover topics such as health issues, practical caregiving skills, stress management, financial management, and resource identification. Additionally, the director must submit a biennial report to state leadership detailing the program's financial status, who is receiving training, and an analysis of the program's effectiveness in supporting caregivers and improving care quality.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S903