lettertotheeditor
Reader calls for support of Credit for Caring Act
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be emotionally and financially challenging.
In 2024, over 369,000 Alzheimer’s caregivers in Tennessee provided 499 million hours of unpaid care, worth nearly $7.8 billion.
As someone who cared for my mother with Alzheimer’s living in Farragut, I understand the significant impact of this disease. Her annual costs, including memory care and other related expenses, exceeded $100,000. Many caregivers have an income of $50,000 or less and often do not qualify for financial assistance.
High care costs force many to stop working to provide full-time care, worsening their financial strain. The stress from these circumstances can destroy a family.
The bipartisan Credit for Caring Act offers some relief for caregiving expenses like home care aides, adult day services, home modifications, respite care and other supports. This bill proposes a new, non-refundable federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for eligible family caregivers, which can help families dealing with dementia.
As the owner of Dementia Care Solutions of East Tennessee, I frequently speak with families that would greatly benefit from this bill. Please help support dementia caregivers by encouraging (U.S. Rep.) Tim Burchett (R-2nd District) to back the Credit for Caring Act.
For more information on how you can help end Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org and alzimpact.org.
Kim Warnick, Farragut,
Certified Dementia Practitioner
