30-04-2025
Rates of Alzheimer's Disease rising, how Congress is addressing the need for care
(WTAJ) — Rates of Alzheimer's Disease is on the rise at a time when the nation is facing a shortage of caregivers.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, there are now an estimated seven million people diagnosed with Alzheimer's who are, in most cases, being cared for by family. Julie Steinbacher, an elder and estate planning lawyer who volunteers her time as an advocate with the Alzheimer's Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, said taking care of a loved one with dementia can be a full time job for caretakers.
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'60% of them are still working. But of those people that're still working, 57% of them are going to end up having to do something with their job, take a leave of absence, go in late, leave early, Steinbacher said.
Steinbacher was a caretaker for her own mother. She said that along with the emotional burden of being a caregiver also comes financial burden. Some caregivers find themselves on the line for the cost of adult day care, home care aides, home modifications or prescription copays.
Lawmakers are proposing the Credit for Caring Act which would provide a tax credit of up-to $5,000 or 30% of costs for those caring for someone with a diagnosed chronic illness if their expenses cost more than $2,000 annually.
Steinbacher said this legislation could even help reduce rates of elder abuse.
'Elder abuse is rampant, but it happens for many different reasons. Some of the reasons that it happens for is just totally wrong and, unthinkable. But sometimes it's situations where people really are trying to do a good job and they don't have the resources to do it,' Steinbacher said.
The bill was introduced in January 2024 and is still being reviewed.
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