Indiana’s 790,000 dedicated family caregivers provide 740 million hours of care every year, adding up to $10.8 billion in unpaid labor annually. (Getty Images)
As the recent election captured our attention with candidates vying for our votes, many across our state were engaged in a different, yet profoundly important job. Despite being unpaid and lacking sufficient support to ease the immense physical, emotional, and financial burdens it brings, it remains one of the most crucial roles any of us will ever undertake.
What job am I referring to? It’s the role of family caregivers, who help their aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones live independently.
Each November, we recognize unpaid family caregivers during National Caregivers Month. These caregivers are the backbone of our long-term care system. Indiana’s 790,000 dedicated family caregivers provide 740 million hours of care every year, adding up to $10.8 billion in unpaid labor annually. According to a recent AARP survey, nearly two in three Indiana adults age 45-plus have caregiving experience.
The same AARP survey revealed that 87% of respondents believe it is extremely or very important for older Hoosiers to remain in their own homes as they age. Family caregivers play a crucial role in making this possible, ensuring that older adults and individuals with disabilities can stay in their homes and communities.
Standing With Caregivers
Supporting family caregivers has been and will continue to be a significant priority for AARP Indiana in the coming year. Even though they have a critical role in providing care, family caregivers often go unrecognized and unsupported. It’s time to change that.
More than three out of every four family caregivers pay out of their own pockets for care-related expenses such as home modifications, care at home, transportation, and equipment to help with daily living. These costs add up quickly, with caregivers spending an average of more than $7,200 each year out of pocket. Those who live far from their loved ones spend almost double that amount.
Additionally, many family caregivers must reduce their work hours or even leave their jobs to care for loved ones, resulting in significant income loss and jeopardizing their career advancement and retirement savings.
Providing caregivers financial relief, through tax credits or reimbursement programs, is essential to easing some of these struggles. Around six in ten Hoosier adults age 45-plus strongly support state legislation providing family caregivers with a tax credit for their expenses.
Finding Support
AARP also offers a range of resources, including a newly updated resource guide to help caregivers find the services they might need throughout their journey.
As our population ages, the demand for caregiving will only increase. It’s time for our leaders to recognize the invaluable contributions of family caregivers and to ensure they receive the support they deserve. By doing so, we can help alleviate the burdens they face and honor their dedication to their loved ones.
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