Editor,
My name is Gabrielle Sawyer and I am writing this Letter to the Editor today as a Master of Social Work student at the University of New England and a MSW intern at the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s disease is devastating for not only the 5.8 million Americans living with the disease, but also for the 16 million family and friends serving as caregivers.
Here in Maine there are 28,000 people living with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias and 69,000 family caregivers. The caregiving needs for someone living with Alzheimer’s are wide ranging and increase over time, and averages four to eight years after diagnosis. Many family caregivers struggle with competing priorities including work and other responsibilities. These caregivers are overwhelmed and could use extra help.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, eighty-three percent of the help provided to older adults in the United States comes from family members, friends or other unpaid caregivers. In 2018, caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias provided an estimated 18.5 billion hours of unpaid assistance, a contribution to the nation valued at $233.9 billion.
The State of Maine is currently working on a bill that provides paid family and medical leave possible. This bill would help caregivers tremendously because it could make up some of the costs and expenditures they are experiencing. Take time to support a caregiver you know, read LD #1410 and contact your local representative.
Gabrielle Sawyer
Lyman
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