The South Dakota House Health and Human Services Committee voted 11-0 Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2025) to send House Bill 1098 to Joint Appropriations with a “do pass” recommendation.
The measure would appropriate $500,000 to help caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Representative Mike Weisgram of Fort Pierre supported the measure saying once a diagnosis is confirmed, “we South Dakotans tend to want to keep our loved ones viable by giving them loving care in our homes.”
Carmen McGee of Fort Pierre testified about caring for her husband who had early onset Alzheimer’s. She said she can’t describe how absolutely overwhelming it is to be a caregiver for someone with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Steven Kohler with the Bureau of Finance and Management opposed the bill. He said the state spends about a million dollars annually on respite caregiver services. He said the state provided $40 million last year (2024) for in-home services.
The bill requires caregivers to be at least 18, demonstrate need, and apply through Human Services. Priority goes to those who have exhausted funding under the Older Americans Act.
The measure now moves to the Joint Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 27,000 South Dakotans provide unpaid care for 16,500 residents with Alzheimer’s disease.
This story is courtesy of the South Dakota Broadcasters Association.
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