These family caregivers are the meal-givers, the medicine-givers, the respect-givers. Every day they give of themselves to help their loved ones in a variety of ways, from bathing and dressing, making meals, providing transportation, to assisting with finances, managing medications, and much more. Some provide care a few hours a week, others are responsible 24/7 -- and often they can't even take a break.
Yes, caregiving is a deeply personal issue and a family issue, but now it is rising quickly as a legislative issue in communities, state legislatures across the country, and here in Washington, D.C.
State legislatures are already stepping up. This year alone, 30 states have passed legislation to help almost 27 million family caregivers get needed training, more flexibility in the workplace, and the opportunity take a hard-earned break every now and then.
Capitol Hill has also taken notice, and more importantly, taken action. Just this week, the U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act. The common-sense legislation was introduced by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and would require the development of a national strategy to recognize and support family caregivers.
Passage of this bipartisan legislation is an important step forward.