April 27, 2006 CONTACT: Denise Harper Angel
Fletcher signs bill for One-Stop Resource Center
FRANKFORT - Senator Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, joined Governor Ernie Fletcher Wednesday as he signed legislation that creates a one-stop resource center to assist aging caregivers with information and referral to community programs and resources. Harper Angel has been working on the legislation since she became a Senator last year.
"There are over 10,000 adults in Kentucky with developmental disabilities who live with a parent or caregiver over the age of 60," Harper Angel said. "These folks are very worried about what will happen after they are no longer able to provide daily care for their loved ones."
The one-stop resource center will offer assistance in many areas including respite services, adult day health, adult day social services, community living services and information regarding options for future planning.
"The center will throw aging caregivers a life line," Harper Angel said. "They need peace of mind, and this will help with long-term planning, as well as short-term problems."
Harper Angel said she first became interested in the issue by volunteering and because of an acquaintance with a couple in their 90s who had a son in his 60s with Down Syndrome.
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Note: For a high-res. JPEG photo file of Senator Harper Angel, please log on to www.lrc.state.ky.us/pubinfo/ephoto.htm.