Every day in America, caregivers across the country make enormous sacrifices to ensure their loved ones receive the care they need. Though some care receivers only require minimal care, there are others – especially those with disabilities or the elderly – who require intense, often round-the-clock attention. The simple, everyday tasks many of us take for granted like washing, dressing, eating and getting to appointments can be impossible for many of these people without the assistance of a caregiver.

The logistics of day-to-day caregiving are a huge undertaking themselves, but the emotional and financial parts of this equation cannot be overstated. The amount of energy and resources required for all of this undoubtedly and understandably take a toll on those providing assistance, and it’s time the powers that be in Washington, D.C., turn their attention to America’s well-deserving caregivers.

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Here in Colorado, we’re home to tight-knit communities and families who look out for one another, something that is evident if you look at our state’s caregiving statistics. As of 2021, there are about 600,000 Centennial State residents spending their valuable time and resources to look after someone unable to care for themselves. Helping those who can’t help themselves is clearly part of the fabric of who we are as a state, and I’m proud of what these numbers say about Coloradans’ commitment to one another.

But time isn’t the only commitment our state’s caregivers have to make for their charges – the financial burden can weigh heavily. Caregivers spend thousands and thousands of dollars of their own money when providing for their loved ones. This can range from paying for groceries and transportation, to serious prescription drugs or medical devices that some patients can’t live without. Caregivers provide so much in financial, emotional and physical support, and it’s time they receive adequate support from our elected leaders.

Next year’s elections provide the perfect opportunity for lawmakers and hopefuls for higher office to commit to supporting legislation that helps empower Colorado’s caregivers. The Centennial State’s eight House districts will all decide who will serve as their representatives in 2025. On top of that, candidates for president will be visiting ahead of Colorado’s Super Tuesday primary election on March 5 in hopes of securing our state’s 10 electoral votes. Each of these candidates will need to make support for caregivers a key element to their platforms if they hope to carry Coloradans’ support.

Though Congress has been slow to act on any meaningful policy regarding caregiving, Colorado is poised to play an important role in the 2024 elections. As presidential candidates visit our state and Colorado-based candidates vie for support, all of them should make empowering caregivers a priority if they want to represent our interests in Washington.

Molly Lee

Family nurse practitioner

Breckenridge

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