WASHINGTON, D.C., May 11, 2017 - The Alzheimer's Association and the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM) announced its support for the bipartisan Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act (S. 1028). The RAISE Family Caregivers Act would provide much needed support to caregivers. The legislation would facilitate the creation of a national strategy to address the many issues facing caregivers today, including: education and training, long-term services and supports, and financial stability and security.
"On behalf of the more than 15 million Americans providing unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias, we are proud to support the RAISE Family Caregivers Act," said Robert Egge Chief Public Policy Officer, Alzheimer's Association and Executive Director, AIM. "Caring for individuals living with Alzheimer's or other dementias is both emotionally and financially straining. This legislation would help improve health outcomes and result in a higher quality of life for both those living with disease and their caregivers."
Today, there are an estimated 5.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer's, our nation's most expensive disease. According to the 2017 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures Report, in 2016, unpaid caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias provided an estimated 18.2 billion hours of care valued at more than $230 billion. These caregivers report higher levels of stress, depression and worse health outcomes when compared to others who are providing care to individuals without dementia. As a result, caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias incurred $10.9 billion in additional health costs last year. The RAISE Family Caregiver Act was introduced by longtime Alzheimer's champions Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).
"We applaud Sens. Collins and Baldwin for introducing this critical, bipartisan legislation," continued Egge. "We urge others in Congress to support our nation's caregivers through the RAISE Family Caregiver Act."
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.
Alzheimer's Association ®
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's. For more information, visit alz.org.
