Caring for a loved one living with dementia often takes a financial toll on families. In 2024, more than 31,000 Alzheimer’s caregivers in Delaware provided 46 million hours of unpaid care, valued at a staggering $909 million. As one of the most expensive diseases in the U.S., Alzheimer’s costs $360 billion, with Medicare spending reaching $32,413 per person.
As a former caregiver, I understand firsthand the personal and financial impact of dementia.
My wife struggled for four years. I was fortunate that I could afford to care for her without worrying about money, but the reality is that many cannot.
The bipartisan Credit for Caring Act will create a nonrefundable federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for eligible family caregivers. This tax credit would offset the cost of some caregiving expenses, such as a home health aide, adult day services, home modifications, respite care or other supports that help caregivers and their loved ones. For those family caregivers who can’t afford the astronomical costs of dementia care, the Credit for Caring Act would be a huge boost to them — in terms of finances and overall well-being.
I respectfully encourage Sens. Chris Coons and Lisa Blunt Rochester, as well as Congresswoman Sarah McBride, all D-Del., to join me — and the Alzheimer’s Association — in supporting the Credit for Caring Act. To learn more about Alzheimer’s and how you can join the fight to end all forms of dementia, visit alz.org.
Glen Gray
Alzheimer’s Association advocate
Hockessin
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
