By Bob Katzen

House 154-0, approved an amendment that would create a special legislative commission to conduct a comprehensive study on family caregiving policy in the Bay State including an evaluation of all state-funded efforts in caregiving research, clinical care, institutional and home-based and community-based services and an investigation into the potential fiscal, access and quality impacts of allowing spouses to serve as paid caregivers in the MassHealth program.

Amendment sponsor Rep. Mike Kushmerek (D-Fitchburg) said that one in ten Massachusetts residents serve as a caregiver to a loved one and noted this is one of the most important and difficult jobs. He said that the commission will work to find innovative ways to keep seniors aging in place at home and our young, disabled population in our communities with their families. He noted it will study ways to help the caregivers perform this overwhelming task.

He noted that his first-hand experience as a caregiver for his parents for ten years showed him how difficult the job is. He said it was among the best and most heartbreaking experiences of his lifetime. He said that you give up a part of yourself to be a caregiver. You do it because you love the people, and you do it because often there’s nobody else. He noted that nothing could have prepared him for the job — going from being a 22-year-old student focused on college parties and final exams to learning MassHealth waivers and leaning medication management. He noted that caregivers often do not have significant resources, support or education on how best to advocate for those they love.

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes