The Cost of Caring is Overwhelming for West Virginia Caregivers

Every day, nearly 300,000 West Virginians, one in every six people in the Mountain State provide unpaid care to their loved ones, valued at a staggering $2.8 Billion a year. These caregivers are overwhelmed, exhausted and breaking under financial pressure, and they are calling on Congress and the President to take action.

We’ve heard from thousands of family caregivers about the challenges they face. Family caregivers do everything from helping prepare meals and paying bills to assisting with medication and general activities of daily living — most often so that their parents, spouses, and other loved ones can continue to live independently in their homes and communities. And 61% of these caregivers do all of this while holding down a job.

A new study by AARP shows just how much housing and medical expenses can add up — and disproportionately hurt those who can least afford it. The report states that, on average, family members spend $7,242 a year on caregiving expenses – approximately 26% of their household income. Housing expenses like rent or mortgage payments, home modifications and changes made up more than half of caregivers’ spending, followed by medical expenses at 17%.

In addition to spending their own money, many caregivers are experiencing other financial setbacks. Nearly half of family caregivers (47%) experienced at least one financial setback such as having to cut back on personal spending, dip into their personal savings or reduce how much they save for their retirement. These can have negative ripple effects for years.

What can be done to help? Congress is currently considering a bipartisan bill called the Credit for Caring Act (S. 1670/H.R. 3321), which would create a tax credit of up to $5,000 for eligible workers who are caring for a family member. This legislation would help offset the cost of some caregiving expenses such as a home care aide, adult day services, home modifications, assistive technology, respite

care, transportation, or other supports that help them and their loved ones. AARP has endorsed the Credit for Caring Act, along with 110 other organizations, and is urging Congress to pass the bill this year.

In addition to Credit for Caring, AARP is calling on Congress to invest in home and community services, so that older Americans are able to choose how they live as they age. AARP has led the effort to expand access to home and community-based care in states across the country, including West Virginia, but more investment is needed to make services available for everyone. We also need to support and expand the direct care workforce, and enact paid leave policies that give caregivers the workplace flexibility they need to care for their families

We are fighting for change on behalf of our nearly 300,000 caregivers in West Virginia – and for all of the 48 million caregivers across the country. These hardworking Americans are holding up a fractured and outdated long-term care system, and their backs are breaking, as they pay the bills and shoulder immense emotional responsibility of their roles. Congress and the President must act to support family caregivers and build a sustainable long-term care system that works for every American family.