Caregiving can be an emotionally, physically and financially draining role. Across Washington state there are more than 335,000 people providing unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. In 2016, these caregivers provided an estimated 382 million hours of care valued at $4.8 billion.
For several years my father took care of my mother who had Alzheimer’s. Our family helped him with her care.
I am proud to advocate for the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act, now moving through the U.S. Senate as S.1028. This bipartisan bill would provide much needed support to our nation’s caregivers.
Endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Association, it calls for the creation of a national strategy to address the many issues facing caregivers, including education and training, long-term services and supports and financial stability and security.
Please join me in thanking Sen. Patty Murray for voting the RAISE Act in committee and in urging Sen. Maria Cantwell, Rep. Rick Larsen, and Rep. Suzan DelBene to support this needed legislation in the coming months.
Barbara Hatt
Lynnwood
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