RAISE (which stands for Recognize, Assist, Include, Support and Engage) focuses on providing relief to those who care for a relative or close loved one. Family caregivers don’t have to provide just personal care to qualify. The RAISE Act can help any family caregiver who provides housekeeping, financial and medical assistance.

What Will the Bill Do?

The bill would form the Family Caregiving Advisory Council. The council, with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, would recommend strategic actions for the federal, state and local governments along with communities, health care providers, long-term services and support providers to recognize and support family caregivers. These actions would include:

• Health care providers, long-term services and support providers promote person- and family-centered care for the patient and their family caregiver
• Care assessments and care service planning involve participation from the patient and their family caregiver
• A family caregiver receives educational information or training about referrals to other care providers and care coordination such as hospice care, palliative care and advanced planning services
• A family caregiver could choose respite care if they desired
• The above agencies offer financial security and assistance with workplace issues

Simply put, the bill requires action within three years from the federal government to create a strategy for all states that will help family caregivers provide care for their loved ones at home, whether personal, financial, etc., so the family caregivers can continue in their careers.

“Family caregivers are the backbone of our care system in America,” Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP’s chief advocacy and engagement officer, said in a statement. “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.”