BILL NUMBER: S8875
SPONSOR: RHOADS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the elder law, in relation to establishing a caregiver
crisis hotline
 
PURPOSE:
Directs the director of the office of aging to establish a caregiver
crisis hotline.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. The elder law is amended by adding a new section 206-a to
read as follows:
§ 206-a. Caregiver crisis hotline. 1. The director, in consultation with
the commissioner of mental health, shall establish a caregiver crisis
hotline to provide emotional support resources for informal caregivers
of a person in need of assistance.
2. Such crisis hotline shall be a toll-free telephone number, available
statewide, for twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and shall
provide a language assistance line to assist limited and non-English
language speakers.
3. For the purpose of this section: (a) "Informal caregiver" shall mean
that family member or other person who normally provides care.
(b) "Person in need of supervision" as defined.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after
it shall have become law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The bill establishes a statewide program that provides free counseling,
a 24/7 mental health hotline, peer support groups, and wellness
resources to unpaid family caregivers. This ensures they receive the
emotional and psychological support needed to reduce burnout and improve
care outcomes across New York State.
By offering dedicated mental health services and emotional support, this
bill directly addresses the stress, isolation, and burnout experienced
by unpaid family caregivers. Access to counseling, peer networks, and a
24/7 hotline gives caregivers tools to manage emotional strain, make
healthier decisions, and maintain their well-being.
This not only helps caregivers stay in their roles longer and more
effectively, but it also improves outcomes for the elderly and disabled
individuals they care for-reducing hospitalizations, delays in institu-
tionalization, and healthcare costs to the state. The bill creates a
sustainable support system that acknowledges and strengthens the vital
contributions of unpaid caregivers.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined, however, the program is expected to generate long-term
savings by reducing hospitalizations and delaying nursing home place-
ments.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it
shall have become law.