AARP talks new report on caregiving, including Florida

WASHINGTON, D.C. — According to a recent state-by-state report from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), there are now more than four million caregivers in Florida assisting loved ones with disabilities or “complex medical conditions.”

Advocates say as a result of that growing number, Congress should pass legislation to help ease the financial strain. 

“We are in a caregiving crisis with 63 million caregivers in this country. And they are increasingly facing helping with medical tasks. We know there’s a huge financial toll on families as well,” said Megan O’Reilly, Vice President for Health and Family, AARP Government Affairs.

Jessyca Sosa of Miami is what is called a “sandwich” caregiver. She is raising teenagers while also caring for her mother, Grisel, who has been recovering from strokes. 

“We converted our garage in our house and made like a full apartment for her to live in,” Sosa said. “She has suffered several strokes, which have made the whole caregiving process a little bit more difficult and more taxing.”

O’Reilly says the financial strain on caregivers is substantial and multifaceted. “On average, family caregivers are spending about $7,200 out of pocket. But, there’s also implications as it relates to, are you having to dig into retirement savings?” O’Reilly said. 

Advocates are pushing lawmakers in Congress to pass bipartisan legislation to ease that strain. 

“We have two bills that AARP has advocated for, bipartisan, bicameral — the Credit for Caring Act, which would provide a non-refundable $5,000 tax credit to really help family caregivers alleviate some of those financial responsibilities they’re taking on as they care for their loved ones,” O’Reilly said.

“A second bill, the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act, would allow you to use your existing FSA or HSA to help pay for expenses that you’ve paid for your parent or parent-in-law,” she said.

Sosa says the tax credit is needed.

“Absolutely, we should have those tax deductions the same way that I get tax credits for my children under the age of 17,” Sosa said. “I should have the same thing when I am the person that is constantly caring for my older parent.”

So far, the bills haven’t gained enough support to pass either the House or Senate. The government remains in a shutdown.