Political Quotes

“I am pleased to be joined by my colleague from Wisconsin, Senator Baldwin, in introducing the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2017. 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 individuals remain at home, often delaying the need for nursing home or foster care placements. The value of their efforts are tremendous, amounting to more than $470 billion in uncompensated care. This task, however, can take a toll. Caregivers experience higher mortality rates and are more likely to acquire acute and chronic health conditions. That is why respite care is so important. It provides temporary relief to caregivers from their ongoing responsibilities, reducing the toll they experience. Respite care helps keep caregivers healthy, keeps families intact, and provides a substantial public value. Recently, the Senate Aging Committee, which I chair, held a hearing on age-friendly communities. Meg Callaway, the project director of the Piscataquis Thriving in Place Coalition in Dover-Foxcroft, ME, testified that ``the one most critical service is respite.'' We have heard this time and time again.…”