New AARP Poll Shows Strong Bipartisan Support Among Voters 50+ for a Caregiver Tax Credit and Expanded In-Home Care

Large Majority of Older Voters Want to Age at Home

Helena, Mont., Aug 20, 2021 — Across party lines, a large majority of Republican, Democrat and Independent voters support policies to help American families care for their loved ones, according to a new AARP poll of voters 50 and older. Specifically, eight in 10 voters back a tax credit for family caregivers, aligning with the details of the bipartisan Credit for Caring Act, a top priority for AARP. Voters also express high support for increasing resources for in-home care.

“This poll reflects what we're seeing here in the state -- 114,000 family caregivers in Montana face incredible strain and sacrifices every day. They are the backbone of our long-term care system, and need more support,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director. “That’s why we are calling on Congress to provide commonsense support for family caregivers now by passing the Credit for Caring Act, making care at home more available and affordable.”

More than 40% of voters polled by AARP have provided unpaid care to an older loved one, either currently or in the past, with nearly 70% working full- or part-time while doing so. Those surveyed also shared strong preferences for where and how they would like to be cared for as they age:

• 87% would prefer to receive care at home, with help from a caregiver, rather than in a nursing home.
• Nearly nine in 10 feel it is very important to be able to choose where they or a loved one would receive long-term care.
• Eight in 10 consider it very important to have services available to help a loved one who needs long-term care to stay at home for as long as possible.

The survey was conducted by phone August 2-12, 2021, among 1,400 U.S. registered voters ages 50 and older. The confidence interval for the total sample is ±2.62%.

About AARP:
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.

About AARP Montana:
For nearly 50 years, AARP has been working right here in big sky country to improve the lives of the 50 plus. As a non-profit organization, AARP Montana advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. By fighting on issues that matter most to Montana families and providing trusted information, we’re helping to empower Montanans to choose how they live as they age. Today, more than 140,000 strong, AARP Montana is one of the largest membership organizations in the state.  As a nonpartisan organization, AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political action committees, campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/MT or follow @AARPMontana on social media.