Alabama Alzheimer's task force could propose tax credit for caregivers
A state committee looking at Alzheimer's policy is considering proposing a new tax credit to assist caregivers with expenses related to adult incontinence supplies, citing the financial burden of Alzheimer's and dementia care.
The proposal, discussed at a Tuesday meeting of the advocacy and policy subcommittee, aims to build on previously proposed legislation to provide tax relief for mothers and families with newborns with essentials such as diapers and baby formulas.
'We serve a lot of people with dementia, and all of them are in need of incontinence supplies,' said Anna Pritchett, state director for advocacy at AARP Alabama, adding that the costs add up quickly. 'Why don't we piggyback on that and just say, also including maybe people over the age of [a certain limit]?'
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Alabama in 2022 had the second highest mortality rate from Alzheimer's disease, behind only Mississippi, at 46.8 per 100,000 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alzheimer's disease was the sixth-leading cause of death in the state in 2023, remaining unchanged from 2020. Different factors contribute to the high mortality rate, but it is mostly due to poor health access in rural parts of the state, primarily in the Black Belt, a region with some of the highest rates of Alzheimer's in the state.
Task force proposes new strategies to expand Alzheimer's care and research in Alabama
The Alzheimer's Association estimated that slightly over 100,000 people over 65 in Alabama living with Alzheimer's in 2020, or about 12% of that population.
Rep. Ginny Shaver, R-Leesburg, the chair of the committee, said that a bill addressing tax credits for infant supplies is already under consideration and will be introduced soon. The bill was introduced in the 2024 session but failed to pass before the end of the session. Shaver said that the timing could allow for an amendment to expand eligibility to seniors.
'We've got that bill coming up. I might be able to make that happen right now,' they said.
The Legislature is scheduled to hold its 15th legislative day, the midpoint of the 2025 session, on Wednesday.
Advocates said that financial relief is essential, as the cost of caring for an aging loved one can be not only overwhelming but also expensive.
Public awareness of available support remains a significant concern, with committee members saying there is still a significant need for better outreach and education. Members proposed a website that would serve as a hub for caregivers to get information on available services and support.
'Most people don't even know there's an [assisted living communities],' said Christy deGraffenried, vice president of governmental relations for the Alabama Nursing Home Association 'Then there's nursing homes, then there's home health. They don't even understand the basics of what are the levels of care.'
The task force was established in 2023 by a House Joint Resolution and tasked with establishing recommendations on how to improve the state's care system for Alzheimer's and other dementia-related diseases. Task force members will meet at the end of the month to propose recommendations to the Legislature and Gov. Kay Ivey by May 5.
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