A debilitating disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, takes a devastating toll on the people who suffer from it as they lose their ability to walk, dress, write, speak, swallow and breathe.

But the disease, as well as brain injury and other conditions that render someone unable to care for themselves, also wreaks havoc on the sufferers’ families.

Caregivers can crumble under the demands of providing long-term care. The sleepless nights and the stress can end up putting their health at risk.

Young children also are affected when a house turns into a nursing home.

Nationally, about 1.3 million to 1.4 million young people between the ages of 8 and 18 are serving as caregivers for sick or disabled parents or other relatives, according to the American Psychological Association.

The nation needs to take steps to improve the lives of caregivers, both young and old.

Currently, the health care system works only because families do most of the heavy lifting for disabled children, brain-injured veterans and those with ALS and other neurological diseases.

That care often goes unnoticed and unmentioned when Congress or states consider reforms to health care.

At the very least, tax credits need to be provided to help ease the financial burden on families caring for a disabled person.

A few countries do better. For example, Great Britain provides a stipend for caregivers who spend 35 hours a week or more providing care. Australia also has a financial assistance program.

Most people can manage a short-term health crisis that lasts a few days, or even a few months. But when it comes to one that lasts for years? That’s beyond what most of us can do. Better support is needed.

MARYLEE MACDONALD

Tempe, Ariz.