HJ0089 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0089 LRB095 15707 DRJ 41714 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Many Illinois residents who are at risk of unnecessary or premature institutionalization receive in-home personal care services such as help with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene; help with mobility, including help in getting to and from the bathroom; housekeeping and laundry; meal preparation; help in dealing with memory loss or confusion; and assistance with medications; these services enable them to remain in their homes instead of being placed in an institution; and

WHEREAS, There are many times when care, including in-home personal care, is most effective and satisfying to the consumer if it is provided by the consumer's spouse; and

WHEREAS, Historically, federal funding was available to reimburse spouses for in-home personal care services they provided; in 1989, federal law was changed to prohibit the use of federal moneys to reimburse spouses for providing that care, and states accordingly changed their rules to contain a similar prohibition; two years ago, federal law was changed back to allow spousal reimbursement, but many states, including Illinois, have not changed their rules accordingly; and

WHEREAS, Frustrated spouses trying to care for their ailing partners while holding down a regular job should be allowed compensation for providing basic care such as bathing, meal preparation, and household chores; and

WHEREAS, It costs less money to care for someone in their home than to care for them in a facility; studies show that people respond better to treatment in their own homes; and with the State facing a critical shortage in health-care workers, paying spouses to provide in-home personal care services is a good way to alleviate the strain on the health care system; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we urge the Department of Human Services to consult with legislators, recipients of in-home personal care services, and caregivers in determining whether to change the Department's rules to allow payment to spouses for providing those services; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the Governor and to the Secretary of Human Services.