Remember and help family caregivers

The Courant’s article [Page 1, May 30, “Addressing the ‘caregiver crisis’ ”] sheds important light on President Joe Biden’s efforts to support the 53 million Americans who are serving as unpaid family caregivers to loved ones who are aging, chronically ill and want to live at home.

It’s also important to acknowledge the efforts of Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, who recently hosted an event to ensure that family caregivers across the state are aware of resources and support available to them. Thanks to her efforts, and those who advocate on behalf of older adults, Connecticut continues to look at ways to increase the access to, and affordability of, longterm care and the availability of services and support to family caregivers who are critical to providing care at home.

As we emerge from COVID19, let’s be sure to remember the heroic family caregivers who carried an additional burden. As we mark June 20, a day on which we focus on those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their caregivers, let us remember that care starts at home.

New federal funding has been made available and it is incumbent upon all Connecticut policymakers and legislators to ensure that funding is allocated to address the systemic challenges that family caregivers face when they make the choice to care for loved ones at home.

Matt Semenza, Wethersfield The writer is manager of community partnerships, caregiver homes of Connecticut.