The Legislature is in the home stretch and lawmakers will be considering a number of bills that impact seniors and their caregivers.

One of the bills would create a directory of adult day care centers around the state, places that can provide respite for caregivers.

"Caregivers really need respite, a time out from time to time and we want to support development of respite care services throughout the state, a network of respite care services and organizations," said Senator Les Ihara, representing the Palolo-Kaimuki area.

Senator Ihara heads the joint legislative committee on family care giving. The name of the committee will be changed to the committee on Aging in Place. Legislation is proposed that would enhance that concept - seniors staying in their homes as long as they want, as long as they are able. One such bill is called the Cash and Counseling measure.

"Cash and counseling is where a counselor or social worker meets with the elderly recipient, puts together a care plan, an aging in place plan, even," said Ihara.

Another bill would create a commission of experts in the field of aging - their goal would be ambitious.

"Developing - or assisting in developing - a comprehensive system to provide long term care services for people who want to age in place or live at home as long as they can," said Ihara.

There is something called the omnibus bill that encompasses a number of caregiver and elderly concerns.

"One is to provide core services to those who need it. It is through the kupuna care program that is provided through the counties. The other is to reduce the wait list by half or entirely and so we need funding for that," said Ihara.

Finally, the committee wants to provide funding to the UH Center on Aging for …

"Research, training and education as we develop these systems and we feel the University of Hawaii has the capability and commitment to do that and so we're hoping to get some funds so they can get moving."