AARP Capitol Caregiver
I'm honored to be named one of AARP's 2017 Capitol Caregivers. The award is given to legislators who champion the needs of family caregivers. In the 2017 session I advocated for updating state conservatorship laws to better protect vulnerable adults and provide family caregivers with additional training and support. The new law will support family caregivers who are appointed by the probate courts in managing the health and finances of their loved ones and deter potential misconduct through the use of random audits.
Public Act 17-7, An Act Concerning Conservator Accountability, instructs the probate court administrator to adopt standard practices for court-appointed conservators. By law, court-appointed conservators must use the least restrictive means of intervention in exercising their duties and authority. The new law, which took effect January 1, requires them to also follow the practice standards the probate court administrator adopts.
Family caregivers provide a huge service that is unpaid and often underappreciated. We must provide them the support and guidance they need to best care for their loved ones, while at the same time protecting the interests of those in their care. AARP is an important advocate for Connecticut seniors, and I’d like to thank them for this honor.