In the midst of a passionate debate on national health reform and state Medicaid waivers, it is easy to forget about the millions of families nationwide that provide full time care for their aging or disabled loved ones.   Family caregiving is an essential, yet often overlooked, aspect of our nation’s health care system.  Whether they are caring for a child with Autism, a parent with Alzheimer’s disease, or a spouse with Multiple Sclerosis, we all know someone who is a family caregiver. 

Studies show that family caregivers supply about 80 percent of all long-term care in the U.S.  In Rhode Island alone, there are over 114,000 caregivers that provide totally uncompensated care to the tune of $1.4 billion a year.   These caregivers, the majority of whom are women, are our nation’s silent heroes.  They live in every one of our communities, ensuring family stability and helping those with disease or disability to avoid more costly out-of-home placements. 

While caring for a loved one can be personally rewarding, it can also result in substantial emotional, physical, and financial strain on caregivers.  At a time when state budgets are strapped and families are in financial distress, it is important to ask ourselves what we can do to help.  Family caregivers need to know they are not alone, and they need to know where to turn when they need support. 

Respite services provide temporary care and support for children or adults with disabilities, or chronic or terminal illnesses.  Respite has been shown to provide family caregivers with the relief necessary to maintain their own health, bolster family stability, keep marriages intact, and avoid or delay nursing home or foster care placements.

That is why I spent five years working to pass the Lifespan Respite Care Act in Congress, and I am very excited that Rhode Island was recently selected to receive a $200,000 Lifespan Respite grant award. This grant will assist Rhode Island in building a strong respite care network through the coordinated efforts of the Department of Elderly Affairs, the Parent Support Network, the POINT, and the Diocese of Providence. 

For families and individuals who may not qualify for other public assistance, these programs may be the only help available. For our wounded veterans returning home with traumatic brain injuries and other polytraumas, respite care could be the lifeline their families must turn to in their new roles as life-long family caregivers.

This program will afford Rhode Island the opportunity to expand access to quality respite care, provide local coordination of services and help families obtain information on respite provider options and payment plans.  I look forward to working with our community partners to achieve cost-effective and proven ways to support Rhode Island’s family caregivers, the backbone of our long-term care system.