Dear Editor:
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 over 20 years I have worked for a non-profit called Full Life Care and our mission is to help individuals with dementia and help their caregivers.
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 Senator Patty Murray for voting for the RAISE Act in committee and in urging Senator Maria Cantwell and Representative Pramila Jayapal to support this needed legislation in the coming months.
Dave Budd,
Seattle resident