November is National Family Caregivers Month. Throughout the U.S., nearly 12 million family caregivers are providing care worth over $413 billion to loved ones with dementia.  Although they are providing significant services to our country, they are not getting enough support in return.

Taking care of someone on the long journey through dementia is expensive, and many of the expenses are for goods and services not covered by health insurance.  Many family caregivers cut back on their food, transportation and health care expenses to pay for a loved one’s care.  Additionally, they cut back their work hours or even quit working altogether as their loved ones’ care needs increase.

As a facilitator for an Alzheimer’s caregiver support group, I have heard many stories about caregiving struggles.  These individuals are well respected citizens who helped out in their community; now, in their time of need, the community should support them.  

Unfortunately, we have seen too often times when the caregiver passes before the loved one they are caring for, due to their stress and health issues.  

Please join me in thanking Rep. Josh Riley for co-sponsoring the Credit for Caring Act, which will provide real financial relief to caregivers by creating a non-refundable federal tax credit that could be used to offset some of the costs of caregiving, including such things as respite care, transportation and lost wages. 

Caring for a loved one is emotionally and physically challenging; it should not cause financial hardship as well.

Sheila Lashinsky 
Volunteer Advocate for Alzheimer’s Association  
Monticello, NY