To the Editor:

The work of a family caregiver is often done quietly 24 hours a day. It can be stressful, rewarding, exhausting and fulfilling all at the same time.

Family caregivers help their loved ones to live independently in their homes and communities for as long as possible.

That is important to the health of the person being cared for, but it is also important for the financial health of the entire community.

The longer a person is care for in their home and kept from being shipped away to a nursing home, the less cost it is for all taxpayers who eventually foot the bill for nursing home care in the form of property taxes paid for by Medicare.

There is another economic benefit for all of us from people staying in their homes too. When someone remains in their home, they remain in the community…paying taxes, buying goods and services and contributing to our economy.

The more we can do to support family caregivers and keep out loves ones in their homes, the better off everyone will be.

Unfortunately, with just a few weeks to go before Election Day, I’ve heard nary a peep about what people running to represent me in Albany plan to do to support family caregivers.

November is National Caregiver Month, a time set aside to recognize and appreciate family caregivers. It is now, that we should be focused on those running to represent us and be asking how they propose to support family caregivers.

Linda Wilkinson

Potsdam