Last year, caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias provided more than 18 billion hours of unpaid care, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. And they’re often digging into their own pockets to help provide that care.
AARP Arizona hopes to change that.
AARP Arizona is working with state lawmakers on the Family Caregiver Tax Credit. It would give caregivers a state tax break of $1,000 if they qualify.
It’s still early days.
The legislature isn’t even in session yet, but Dana Kennedy, AARP Arizona’s state director, said they have the support of Senator Kate Brophy McGee and Representative Heather Carter.
"Families are really providing a lion’s share of long term care to family member’s, sometimes that comes as a financial burden and so being able to provide a little bit of relief would go a long way," Kennedy said.
AARP estimates that caregivers, on average, contribute almost $7,000 to their loved one’s care.