Mike Enzi: “Currently there are over 40 million caregivers in the United States providing informal care or support to a disabled…”

“Currently there are over 40 million caregivers in the United States providing informal care or support to a disabled elderly relative. This represents about one out of every five homes in the United States. The Lifespan Respite Care Act would help these caregivers by authorizing competitive grants to aging and disability resource centers in collaboration with State respite coalitions and organizations. That would make quality respite care accessible to family caregivers regardless of age or disability. Respite care provides family caregivers with the time to maintain their own health, bolster family stability, and keep marriages intact. It also allows family caregivers to avoid or delay police intervention and nursing home or foster care placements. Over 180 national and State organizations have endorsed this important legislation, including the Alzheimer's Association, the MS Society, Easter Seals, Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, the ALS Association, and the National Patient Advocate Foundation, to mention but a few.”