State Residents Support an Income Tax Credit for Family Caregivers

New research has found most Connecticut residents support creating a family caregiver tax credit.

The state has 420,000 family caregivers, providing a little more than $7 billion in care. Senate Bill 321 would provide a $500 nonrefundable tax credit for caregivers supporting senior family members who are 50-60 years old and receive Social Security or are under the same income limits.

Natalie Shurtleff, associate state director of advocacy and engagement for AARP Connecticut, said it is often hard work for them.

"We hear so often from family caregivers that are really that sandwich generation," Shurtleff reported. "They're caring for older loved ones while also caring for younger children and trying to juggle work."

The bill is in its earliest phases and a public hearing will occur soon. The report showed about half of unpaid family caregivers spent their own money on home modifications and buying medical equipment like wheelchairs. Monthly spending for some family caregivers varies from spending nothing to $1,000 or more a month.

Beyond the financial effects of being a family caregiver, they often face physical and mental challenges too. The AARP report noted most family caregivers in the state report feel emotionally stressed trying to balance their responsibilities. Shurtleff pointed out there are some things to keep in mind as they care for others.

"One of the things that we always try to remind family caregivers is to give themselves permission for some self-care," Shurtleff noted. "Because it's so critically important to care for one's self as well as who they're caring for."

Other health challenges they face or find difficult are getting enough rest, exercising and practicing a healthy diet, and making time for doctor's visits. The report emphasized support for a tax credit is bipartisan, with more than half of Democrat, Republican and Independent voters in favor of it.

More on the AARP research can be seen here.

This story written and reported by Edwin J. Viera of the Connecticut News Service, a statewide news service for Connecticut.