85% Of Older Americans Have Chronic Disease

cargivier sitting with elderly man - pacific grove in home caregiving

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 85% of older Americans have one or more chronic condition.  This also applies to the one in five adults that AARP estimates serve as unpaid family caregivers.  Sadly, many of them have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, which can be quite challenging to deal with.  Fainting due to dehydration, falls and other forms of accidental trauma are reported to be the leading cause of hospitalization for Alzheimer’s patients, even though they are preventable.  If you are caring for a loved one, it’s important you get some respite care as the stress can be intense, particularly if you are caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease.

Carmel, CA Family Caregivers May Soon Get A Tax Credit Of Up To $5K

House-Making services for seniors in Monterey County

A bill which is working its way through both houses of Congress would give a much-needed financial break to 48 million family caregivers in America who struggle every day as they care for a loved one.  I know the feeling well, I cared for my grandmother in my own home over five years until she passed away just shy of her 98th birthday.  She had Alzheimer’s disease and was quite a handful.  However, it was very fulfilling personally to be able to be there as she struggled in her final years.  If you face a similar situation, please contact our local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in Ryan Ranch.  They have some wonderful people and there is also a 24-hour hotline where you can speak to someone compassionate when you are struggling at 800-272-3900.  Thankfully, The Credit for Caring Act which was introduced back in May in the U.S. Senate looks likely to pass, and it will give a tax credit of up to $5K to working family caregivers.  It would give eligible family members a 30% credit for qualified expenses above $2K, paying for things like home care aides, adult day care, respite care and home modifications like ramps and smart technology to make your home safer.

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/info-2021/new-credit-for-caring-act.html