Sen. Andy Kim, a Democrat from New Jersey, has spoken about the challenges of caring for his father, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease nearly a year ago. His father has also developed psychosis, and facilities have repeatedly refused to admit him, according to Kim. The senator is pushing the "Medicare at Home" bill, which would expand home care services.
Sen. Andy Kim, a Democrat from New Jersey, has opened up about caring for his father, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease nearly a year ago, according to ABC7 New York. In an interview with ABC7 New York's Bill Ritter, Kim said the past year has been one of the hardest periods of his life. He said the family's difficulties have grown as his father's condition has worsened.
Kim said his father has developed psychosis, a symptom that can affect some Alzheimer's patients and one that has dramatically changed how he is cared for. He explained that his father has not only lost his memory but has also become highly aggressive and confrontational. When the family applied for admission to care facilities, they often got the answer that the "patient is too complex," he said.
Kim said the experience has strengthened his resolve to fill the gaps in the care system, calling it "now my life's work." His "Medicare at Home" bill would expand home-based services for older adults who need additional care and support. He is also promoting the "MediKids" proposal, which would automatically enroll every child in health insurance at birth.
Kim said he expressed concern about cuts to medical research funding and staffing during a visit to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) campus in Maryland. He said Alzheimer's disease and caregiving are not political issues, adding, "Alzheimer's doesn't care whether you're a Democrat or a Republican." He said he worries more about his children than about his own chances of developing the disease, and that he wants to help families with support and prevention research in Congress so his children do not have to bear the same burden.