Reply to New Medicare proposal to help families of dementia patients

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[quote=Anonymous]I just learned about this:

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230818/A-new-Medicare-proposal-would-cover-training-for-family-caregivers.aspx

[quote]A new proposal from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services addresses this often-lamented failure to support family, friends, and neighbors who care for frail, ill, and disabled older adults. For the first time, it would authorize Medicare payments to health care professionals to train informal caregivers who manage medications, assist loved ones with activities such as toileting and dressing, and oversee the use of medical equipment.

The proposal, which covers both individual and group training, is a long-overdue recognition of the role informal caregivers — also known as family caregivers — play in protecting the health and well-being of older adults. About 42 million Americans provided unpaid care to people 50 and older in 2020, according to a much-cited report.[/quote]

It's just to help families of those patients who have dementia - not any other chronic or severel illness.  As a family caregiver myself, I appreciate any help on the horizon - but I've been reading about this program and am trying to understand, exactly what kind of help will be offered?

All I'm seeing is that now, it will be possible to bill medical professionals for a few sessions to "train the informal caregivers"?  So great, a few training sessions... but again, family caregivers are expected to perform all the care.  So it's not really much help...  Why is it being touted like it is a big deal?

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