As a direct result of this study, Sen. Patty Murray, joined by veterans and caregivers, introduced the Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act.“ Senator Murray’s legislation directly responds to the RAND report we commissioned, and we have been proud to work with her to bring this bill to the floor. One aspect of the legislation is full funding of the Lifespan Respite Care Act. This act authorized Congress to allocate approximately $288 million between fiscal years 2007 and 2011 to help family caregivers access affordable and high-quality respite care. However, Congress only appropriated $2.5 million. I know some say nothing is easy on Capitol Hill these days, but this truly is a simple action our Members of Congress can take, and it will have an immediate impact on the health and quality of life for our caregivers.”
Our Nation’s Caregivers
They are individuals like Shannon Tuimaleali’ifano, an Army veteran who cares for her husband, also an Army veteran. In 2007, Sualauvi Malua, Shannon’s husband, sustained injuries in Afghanistan that left him a quadriplegic. Constantly in pain, Sualauvi Malua was forced to endure daily procedures that were, in Shannon’s words, “humiliating.” As a result, he dealt with anger and paranoia. In her role as a caregiver, Shannon succumbed to depression stemming from her husband’s difficult situation. Even more, she felt pained that their three children were also suffering.
But today, Sualauvi Malua and Shannon are working together as a team to improve their lives. Shannon finds support through her faith. “If you ever have the chance to meet Shannon, you would scarcely know she’s been dealing with such challenges because the light provided by her faith shines through in her smile,” shares Senator Dole.
And with Shannon’s smile, and Senator Dole’s compassionate tenacity, hope springs.
