What are the caregiving statistics in the U.S. as of 2020? The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) and AARP present their report of the most recent update to their trended research series. Caregiving in the U.S., is conducted roughly every five years. The 2020 update report reveals an increase in the number of family caregivers in the United States of 9.5 million from 2015 to 2020. Family caregivers now encompass more than one in five Americans.
The study also reveals that family caregivers are in worse health compared to five years ago. As the demand for caregiving rises with an aging population, there is an opportunity for the public and private sectors to work together to develop solutions to support family caregivers and those under their care.* This taken verbatim from this report.
Caregivers in Action
The Caregiver Action Network states that more than 65 million people, 29% of the U.S. population, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend during any given year and spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care for their loved one. Also 14% of family caregivers care for a special needs child with an estimated 16.8 million caring for special needs children under 18 years old. 55% of these caregivers are caring for their own children. Caregivers devote themselves to their loved ones but need time away and time to recover so it is essential to work alongside family caregivers to give them an opportunity to spend time outside the home.
How To Accomplish That?
There are many resources available in each state. U.S.Govenment website provides helpful tips and information for those who are faced with a newly injured patient that requires daily care. Many other organizations, such as Alzheimer’s Organization provide help with resources online and can be very helpful in guiding most caregivers to a place where their questions can be answered.
The new Credit for Caring Act is bipartisan legislation that would provide up to a $5000 tax credit for caregivers to offset their expenses. There is much information on this bill and you can determine if you are eligible for a tax credit at Credit.com. There is further information on dependents and head of household status at AARP website where you can learn more about caring for members of your family and the tax implications and savings you might qualify for.
The Colorado Department of Human Services provides for those caregivers living in Colorado the support of programs geared towards providing information about options they might not be informed of.
We Can Help!
So, how can we help? Through innovation, education, genuine compassion and uncompromising values, GoldLeaf Home Health Care is revolutionizing the home care industry to provide greater individual independence and quality of life for all ages. We provide medical and non-medical services and accept insurance for medical services. See our listing of insurance carriers we accept.
All GoldLeaf employees share the same commitment to one unique philosophy. We believe our clients and their families deserve home health care enriched by compassion, communication, integrity, and grace. So, if you, a family member, or a friend needs care, we are a phone call away, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can give the gift of time to any and all caregivers.
*Photo: Image by anncapictures from Pixabay