AARP Indiana has gone to bat for caregivers by supporting a state income tax credit for people who care for aging relatives in their homes. The AARP state director told Public News Service that 1.3 million residents of Indiana provide $9.4 billion of unpaid care in their homes. Caregivers with income under $110,000 per year will be eligible for a $5,000 state income tax credit.
The legislation will assist Hoosiers without access to a 401(k) or retirement plan and is touted for being consistent with taxpayers wishes to be effective, yet inexpensive.
Many studies have shown that caregivers across America suffer many setbacks to help out loved ones. The MetLife Mature Market Institute® published a comprehensive research paper on caregivers stating: “The total estimated aggregate lost wages, pension, and Social Security benefits of these caregivers of
parents is nearly $3 trillion.”
The report stated that there are other important problems: “For all working caregivers, it is not unusual also to report missed opportunities for promotions, business travel, relocation, and education as workplace effects of providing care. Overall, both current wages and retirement income can suffer as a result.”
People who age in place are potential candidates for Assisted Living and Continuing Care residences.