NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – A proposed bill would help caregivers of family members with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

SB 0717, also known as the ‘Caring for Caregivers Act’, is a proposed pilot program that would grant eligible family caregivers $6,000.

“It’s expensive. It’s an expensive disease that can last four years, it can last 12 years,” Alzheimer’s Association Executive Director Janice Wade-Whitehead said.

According to the bill’s writing, it says eligible family caregivers would get the grant on a first-come, first-serve basis.

An eligible family caregiver is classified as somebody who requires assistance with at least two daily activities and has a blood or marriage relation to the patient. They also need to live in a private residential home.

More than 100,000 people in Tennessee are living with Alzheimer’s, many of whom have family members acting as their primary caregiver.

“We see everyday that family members that are caring for their loved ones at home. In fact, about 70% of people with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s will have a care partner helping to care for them at home,” Wade-Whitehead said.

The Caring for Caregivers Act is currently proposed as a three year pilot program and is being discussed by the house finance committee.

If passed, the program would offer $6,000 as a grant to 100 family caregivers across the state.

While caregivers can spend tens of thousands of dollars each year on care, this is still an opportunity that can help so many, such as Janel Tardy.

“It would be life changing for some caregivers. It seems like a small amount, like really $6,000 would change your life? But for some situations, it really is. It’s just the opener that opens the door to give themselves a breather,” Tardy said.

Tardy has been the caregiver for her father for the last few years.

She said these grants would work as a way to make both the lives of the caregiver and the family member a little bit easier.

“They refer to the caregiver as the silent patient. You have so many needs as well that you need help in order to be able to give the kind of care that you want your loved one to have and the quality of life you want them to have,” Tardy said.

Grants given out by the Caring for Caregivers Act would go towards a couple different things, all centered around quality of life.

“Some of the funds will be used for respite care which will allow someone to come into the home or perhaps for that loved to go out and get care into the community. Also, we’re excited about this, minor home improvements,” Wade-Whitehead said.

Some of those home improvements could be a ramp for the house and even a chairlift.

Story courtesy of WVLT