WV HCR29

Requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study creating a flexible, on-demand respite care program allowing seniors and caregivers to schedule short-duration assistance with approximately one week advance notice

Addresses gap in existing programs like the Lighthouse Program and Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver, which require structured weekly blocks with minimum hour thresholds that exceed many caregivers' intermittent needs

Study must examine cost comparisons between flexible respite care and nursing home placement, potential Medicaid savings from delaying institutionalization, and feasibility of pilot voucher-based or registry-based caregiver pools

Focuses on rural West Virginia counties disproportionately affected by service gaps due to limited providers, workforce shortages, and transportation barriers

Committee must report findings and any recommended legislation before the next regular legislative session