State legislators in Pierre, S.D. heard emotional testimony from dementia caregivers, leading to a unanimous vote in the House Health and Human Services Committee to advance House Bill 1098. The bill, which aims to provide financial support to caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia, would appropriate $500,000 for this purpose.
Representative Mike Weisgram highlighted the importance of keeping loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia viable by providing them with loving care at home. Carmen McGee shared her personal experience as a caregiver for her husband with early onset Alzheimer’s, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the role.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 27,000 South Dakotans currently provide unpaid care for 16,500 residents with Alzheimer’s disease. While the Bureau of Finance and Management expressed opposition to the bill, citing existing programs that provide financial support, supporters argue that the additional funding is necessary to adequately support caregivers.
Under the bill, caregivers must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate need, and apply through Human Services. Priority will be given to those who have exhausted funding under the Older Americans Act. The department will be required to report annually on the number of caregivers assisted, amounts paid, and types of services provided.
House Bill 1098 now moves to the Joint Appropriations Committee for further consideration. The successful advancement of this bill reflects the growing recognition of the challenges faced by dementia caregivers and the importance of providing them with necessary support and resources.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
