National Family Caregivers Month

During National Family Caregivers Month, I want to take a moment to honor all the caregivers in our community who are going above and beyond to care and support for our families. Caregiving, particularly caring for a loved one with dementia, is a difficult journey that takes a profound toll, and this month offers us an opportunity to reflect on how we can better support the caregivers in our lives.

From 2015-2017, I was the caregiver for my father who was suffering from early onset Alzheimer’s. While only in his 60s, and sporting a thick head of brown hair, the mind beneath that mane was deteriorating rapidly. There is nothing quite as awful as grieving someone who is still alive, and my heart goes out to all those caregivers still amid that battle.

My family’s story is just one of the many, and considering the severe impact of COVID-19 on caregivers and those living with dementia, it has never been more important that we take action to ensure caregivers and their loved ones have access to the support they need.

Fortunately, Congress can support caregivers by passing the Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act. This bill would create a path to better dementia care and address shortcomings in the way care is currently delivered, which is critical considering the immense barriers families face in navigating today’s complicated healthcare maze.

Caregivers should not have to navigate this maze alone, and this bill is an important first step in ensuring caregivers receive the support and coordination they need to better care for their loved ones and for themselves.

Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in urging Rep. David Scott to support caregivers by cosponsoring the Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act.