HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.C.R. NO.

195

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

requesting the department of health and executive office on aging to develop educationAL materials and program strategies that encourage family members to visit adult residential care homes, licensed assisted living facilities, and nursing care facilities to provide support and encouragement, and to monitor the health status of dependent adult family members.

 

 

WHEREAS, the Legislature values our elders and recognizes that they are important members of our community; and

WHEREAS, dependent adults, including elders 60 years of age or older and individuals with physical or mental impairments, comprise a significant and growing sector of the population who are dependent on others for care; and

WHEREAS, dependent adults have a right to a dignified existence; and

WHEREAS, many elders and individuals with physical or mental impairments become dependent on caregivers for their personal health, safety, or welfare; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes that these people are more vulnerable and at a heightened risk of being subjected to abuse, neglect, and exploitation by those caring for them if they live in seclusion away from caring family members and friends; and

WHEREAS, dependent adults and the elderly should receive periodic visits by friends and family members to provide support, encouragement, and to monitor the status of their health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, adult residential care homes and long-term care facilities should encourage visits by family members and friends as a means to enhance the quality of life for their patients and residents; and

WHEREAS, these facilities must provide a safe, clean, and comfortable environment for their patients and residents; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Health and Executive Office on Aging are requested to develop educational materials and programs that encourage family members and friends to visit adult residential care homes, licensed assisted living facilities, and nursing care facilities to provide support and encouragement, and to monitor the health status and well-being of the resident or patient; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that adult residential care home operators and adult foster homes and nursing homes are encouraged to obtain the assistance of the Office of Health Assurances within the Department of Health, nonprofit organizations, churches, county senior centers, and other special interest groups concerned with the elderly to:

(1) Develop policies and programs that encourage family members and friends of their patients and residents to visit their family members and friends; and

(2) Establish regular visiting hours,

and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Executive Office on Aging advocate for and educate dependent adults, care givers, and the community-at-large on patients' and residents' rights and how to monitor the health status and well-being of their family members when visiting them in care homes or nursing homes; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Director of Health, Director of the Office on Aging, Chief of the Office of Health Care Assurances, adult residential care home organizations, and the residential alternative community care home organizations.

Report Title:

Care Home Visitation