Bipartisan bill would help many

Dear Editor:

I was pleased to see that a bi-partisan bill called the RAISE Family Caregivers Act (Senate Bill 1028) has been introduced in the United States Senate.

In Washington State 800,000 people are providing support to people who need assistance in their home. Many do not realize that far more care is provided by friends and family in homes than in institutions for those who need assistance with daily activities.

I have found that taking care of loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease can be a particular challenge resulting in considerable hardship for those providing care.

The RAISE Family Caregivers Act would facilitate the creation of a national strategy to address the many issues facing caregivers including: education and training, access to long term care services and financial stability and security.

I believe that this bill could be very helpful in providing support for the 15.9 million Americans that are providing unpaid care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

I am encouraging Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell along with our Congressman Derek Kilmer to support this legislation.

Sincerely,

Mark Stensager

Montesano