When I was just turning 40, with two young children and a full-time job, my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I had never seen her sick a day in my life. She was my rock and the center of our large, rowdy and loving family. I had no idea what the future would hold for her or us. But I learned quickly about the human cost of policies that do not protect and support workers when it became clear I had to step up as the primary caregiver. My four siblings did not have reliable paid leave benefits. Doctor visits, stage transitions, a multitude of crises – all of it required my attention. My siblings supported as much as they could, but nothing takes the place of having time dedicated for caregiving. The thing about Alzheimer’s and other terminal diseases is that you’re not likely to take off for the entire period of the illness – my mom was sick for 11 years – but these also are chronic conditions requiring intermittent periods of leave. Devastati...