As a constituent in Georgia's 1st Congressional District, I would like to bring
awareness to H.R. 2036–The Credit for Caring Act. This legislation aims to help
caregivers across the country. In 2023, 374,000 Alzheimer’s caregivers provided 755
million hours of unpaid care, valued at nearly $11.4 billion. In 2021, dementia caregivers
bore, on average, $12,388 in out-of-pocket costs on behalf of the person living with
dementia. Of the total lifetime cost of caring for someone with dementia, 70% is borne
by the families.
As a caregiver, I understand firsthand the personal and financial impact of the disease.
When my mother was diagnosed with dementia in 2011. I was working full-time and
taking care of my mother at night until the caregivers came to relieve me. When I was
overwhelmed and in need of respite care, I had to take time off from work or pay someone
to keep my mother.
Thankfully, Representative Buddy Carter can play an important role in standing up for
dementia caregivers in Georgia and across the nation by supporting the Credit for
Caring Act. The Credit for Caring Act (H.R. 2036) will create a new, non-refundable
federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for eligible family caregivers. H.R. 2036 can offset the
cost of some caregiving expenses such as a home care aide, adult day services, home
modifications, respite care, or other supports that help them and their loved ones. It is so
important that caregivers take care of themselves.
Please join me and the Alzheimer’s Association in encouraging Representative Buddy Carter to support
the bipartisan Credit for Caring Act.
Carolyn Bush
Savannah, Georgia