Political Quotes

“I rise today to introduce legislation with my colleague from Wisconsin, Senator Baldwin, to reauthorize the Lifespan Respite Care Program. Every day, an estimated 53 million family caregivers attend to loved ones across all age groups, disabilities, and chronic conditions. Respite care gives these full-time caregivers a much-needed opportunity to take a temporary break from their important responsibilities. Caregivers help their loved ones remain at home, and the decision to assume these responsibilities full time often delays the need for nursing home care. While many of these individuals care for an older adult, almost one-third of caregivers attend to family members under the age of 50. The value of their efforts is tremendous, amounting to more than $600 billion in uncompensated care each year. This compassionate task, however, can take a tremendous toll. Caregivers experience higher mortality rates and are more likely to acquire acute and chronic health conditions themselves. Respite care helps reduce mental stress and physical health problems that they may experience, thus helping to keep caregivers healthy and families intact. Yet almost 85 percent of America's caregivers have never received any respite services. As a Senator representing the State with the oldest median age in the Nation, the well-being of our older citizens and their caregivers is among my top priorities.…”