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.

My mother cared for my father for many years during his struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, that ended his life in 2004.

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 would facilitate the creation of a national strategy to address the many issues facing caregivers, including education and training, long-term services and support and financial stability and security.

The RAISE Family Caregivers Act is consistent with the national plan to address Alzheimer’s disease, which seeks to expand and enhance training, education and support for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Please join me in thanking Sen. Patty Murray for voting for the RAISE Act in committee and in urging Sen. Maria Cantwell and Rep. Suzan DelBene to support this needed legislation in the coming months.

Pete Minden,

Kirkland