Letter to the editor: Alzheimer's caregivers need help

Alzheimer’s advocacy is not just for the patient; caregivers need help, too.

My sister, diagnosed in her late 40s with multiple forms of dementia, is dying a horribly slow death; she is as violent to others as the disease is to her; she’s 57. As much as I’ve been fighting for my sister, she is too far into this disease. Medicare and Medicaid have failed her, nursing homes have refused her, and recently, we’ve been told “she’s not dying fast enough” for hospice to continue to be involved. So what happens now?

As a family, we must care for her 24-hour needs. She moved in with her daughter four months ago, and life has changed, emotionally, mentally, physically and most noticeably, financially. Money comes from our pockets for medication, equipment, food and more. This adversely affects employment, income and financial security.

This story is not unique, as millions of Americans serve as unpaid caregivers.

While the perfect solution won’t come into play for my sister, what can have a major impact for families like mine is the Credit for Caring Act (HR 2036/S 925). This would provide some financial relief to caregivers who are actively caring for loved ones with dementia. The Credit for Caring Act would create a nonrefundable federal tax credit of up to $5,000 per year per caregiver to help address the financial impact of providing care.

I urge Congressman Chris Deluzio to join bipartisan efforts to support the Credit for Caring Act. Supporting families should be on a “must-do” list, not a “wish list.”

Lisa Raymond

Mt. Lebanon