Political Quotes

“I rise today to introduce legislation with my colleague from Wisconsin, Senator Baldwin, to reauthorize the Lifespan Respite Care Program. Respite care provides full-time caregivers with the much-needed opportunity to take a temporary break from their responsibilities caring for aging or disabled loved ones. Every day, an estimated 43 million family caregivers attend to loved ones who are experiencing chronic, disabling health conditions. While many of these individuals care for an older adult, almost one-third of caregivers attend to persons under the age of 50. Caregivers help their loved ones remain at home, often delaying the need for nursing home or foster care placements. The value of their efforts is tremendous, amounting to more than $470 billion in uncompensated care. This compassionate task, however, can take a toll. Caregivers experience higher mortality rates and are more likely to acquire acute and chronic health conditions. Respite care, which provides temporary relief to caregivers from their ongoing responsibilities, helps to reduce mental stress and physical health issues they may experience, keeping caregivers healthy and families intact. Yet, almost 80 percent of America's caregivers have never received any respite services. As a senator representing the State with the oldest median age in our Nation and as Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, the well-being of our seniors and their caregivers is among my top priorities.…”