Written by Jennifer Hildebrant

As all loved ones of seniors and people with disabilities know, caregiving is an incredibly difficult
task, both mentally and emotionally. Often it is difficult financially as well. Thankfully, in July of
this year Utah passed new legislation meant to offset some of the financial burden for those
families who must provide full time care to loved ones.

Legislature SB106—also known as the Caregiver Compensation Amendments—allowed the
Department of Health and Human Services to amend an existing Medicaid waiver which will
now provide reimbursement to a parent or guardian who provides fulltime personal care to a
loved one.

Utah State Representative Jennifer Dailey-Provost stated, “Once [the bill] was passed…it
automatically kicks in as part of the state plan. This is a good investment. This is not a giveaway
by any measure. This is the state investing in its workforce, and this is the state being partners
with parents and spouses in providing critical care.”

The new legislature is badly needed. According to a 2022 report from the Utah Commission on
Aging, in 2020 one in four women and one in six men were caregivers in Utah. This meant that
in that year a total of 436,000 Utah citizens were assisting their parents, children, spouses, or
other relatives part or full time. Most of the time that service is provided with no financial
compensation and to the detriment of other employment outside of the home.
SB106 was passed specifically to address such circumstances.

Those interested in taking advantage of the new legislature must apply and be approved by
meeting specific qualifications for compensation. Dailey-Provost reminded Utahns that “any
parent or guardian who meets the necessary qualifications can apply for compensation, even
those on the Division of Services for People with Disabilities waiting list.”

Not everyone has access to family or friends who can provide specialized care however, and the
need for caregivers often goes beyond what loved ones can provide. Medicaid offers multiple
waiver options connected to caregiving, with some allowing the person receiving care to
choose their own caregiver. Others provide less ability for self-direction. All are useful under
the right circumstances.

Suzy’s Senior Companionship Services is one organization that works to fill the gap between
needed specialized care and the abilities of loved ones. Its mission is to “provide the elderly,
the disabled, and veterans with caring one-on-one companionship to promote independent
living. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We use community
resources to improve our clients’ quality of life, enrich the local economy, and build profound
intergenerational connections.”

Suzy’s does this by employing professional and compassionate caregivers expertly matched
with the best services and clients. For anyone interested in working as a caregiver with Suzy in
Davis County, or for those seeking a caregiver for themselves or a loved one, call 801-540-2077
to learn more.