Senate passes Collins-led bill to support family caregivers

The Senate unanimously approved legislation on Wednesday that U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced to develop the first coordinated strategy to support the nation’s more than 40 million family caregivers.

The Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act would direct the Health and Human Services secretary to develop a comprehensive strategy to help support the nation’s family caregivers.

“Family caregivers play an essential role in our communities by dedicating time and attention and making countless personal and financial sacrifices to care for their loved ones,” said Collins, who chairs the Senate Special Committee on Aging. “I am delighted that the Senate unanimously passed our bipartisan legislation, which will develop a coordinated strategic plan to leverage our resources, promote best practices, and expand services and training available to caregivers.”

Family caregivers provided an estimated $470 billion in uncompensated long-term care in 2013, and they’ve been found to be more susceptible to chronic health conditions like heart disease, cancer and depression.

The bill, which Collins introduced with bipartisan support from U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), has generated support from advocacy groups like AARP, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

“Family caregivers are the backbone of our care system in America,” Nancy LeaMond, the chief advocacy and engagement officer at AARP, said. “We need to make it easier for them to coordinate care for their loved ones, get information and resources and take a break so they can rest and recharge. Thanks to the efforts of long-time champions of the bill Senators Susan Collins and Tammy Baldwin, we are one step closer to helping address the challenges family caregivers face.”