Home Instead Senior Care
Pismo Beach/San Luis Obispo

When Things Have Changed

She’s not the same. Mom used to love to spending afternoons together, maybe shopping at the mall or just sitting and chatting. Now she has the same conversation with you six times and asks why you don’t take her shopping anymore—after you just returned home, as if the afternoon had never happened. She gets so upset when she can’t find something, and even accuses you and others she has always loved and trusted for stealing her things. That’s not like her at all. You’re afraid to think what these worrying behaviors could mean for her health and safety, and for you as her son or daughter.

Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is the diagnosis that can strike dread in the hearts of most family caregivers. If you’re living it now, you know all too well. If you’ve just received the prognosis for your senior, you’re likely scared and confused.

You Are Not Alone

Trained CAREGivers

Our trained CAREGivers bring the following skills and support to families of those with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia:

• Capturing Life’s Journey^SM – Gathering past stories and experiences helps the CAREGiver give comfort and customized care; all the while honoring who the senior was earlier in life.
• Techniques to Manage Behavior – CAREGivers use techniques such as giving simple choices and redirecting, allowing the senior to remain calm and safe at home.
• Encouraging Engagement – Engaging seniors throughout the day builds self-esteem, enhances physical strength and reduces behaviors that need to be managed. Using techniques and activities, CAREGivers focus on the seniors’ mind, body and soul.
• Supporting the Family – CAREGivers understand the struggles and challenges that accompany caring for a loved one. They are trained to work closely with the family and have open communication, which results in quality care for the senior.

Home Instead CAREGivers trained in the CARE program have a passion and desire to work with Alzheimer’s or dementia clients. They receive ongoing classroom training and testing prior to caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

CAREGivers receive this training in addition to a multi-phased safety and caregiving education program, so you can rest assured your loved one is with a trusted, well-qualified professional.

If you’d like more information about our Alzheimer’s program, please contact us.

Find more valuable Alzheimer's and Senior Care articles, web site links and resources in our Senior Care Resources section of this website.

Taxes and Alzheimer's

Before you send your tax returns to the IRS, make sure you get the tax-savings you deserve. As a caregiver for a loved one with dementia, you may qualify for tax deductions and credits.

Tax Deductions

The cost of Alzheimer care is high. Because caregivers pay for most care expenses out of pocket, they may be eligible for some tax deductions. Deductible CAREGiving costs may include:

• Medical care,nursing care,transportation essential to medical care.
• In-home care, such as non medical care providers.
• Personal care items such as disposable briefs. 
• Nursing home care, assisted living or other residential care.
• Home modifications such as grab bars or ramps.

A caregiver can take federal income tax deductions only if the person with dementia has been certified as chronically ill. This certification must have been made by a licensed health care practitioner within the last 12 months.

Long-term care services must be given under a prescribed plan of care. Be sure to keep records about your payment for services, and save certifications and plans of care. For more details on deducting caregiving costs, see IRS Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses.

Tax Credits

If you paid someone to care for a child or a dependent so you could work or look for work, you may be able to reduce your tax by claiming the "Child and Dependent Care Credit" on your federal income tax return. The credit is a percentage of the amount of work-related child and dependent care expenses you paid to a care provider. The credit can be up to 35 percent of your qualifying expenses, depending on your income. There are eligibility requirements to receive this credit. For more details, see IRS Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses.

Certain states have additional tax deductions or tax credits to provide financial relief to caregivers. These tax programs build on the federal tax credit, which reduces the amount of income taxes a family owes. Each state program differs by name and eligibility requirements. Consult the table on our Tax Deductions and Credits fact sheet to see if your state offers this type of credit or deduction.

Charity check-off boxes on state income tax forms

When filing your state tax form, you may be able to help fund Alzheimer's disease research by making a donation with your return. Some state forms provide check-off boxes to contribute to charities involved in medical research.

More Information

Taxes and Alzheimer's Disease

Tax Deductions and Credits

http://www.irs.gov/
 
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
Helps people age 60 and older. Trained volunteers from non-profit organizations provide free tax counseling and basic income tax return preparation for senior citizens. Many of the volunteer counselors come from AARP's Tax-Aide program. To find one near you, call AARP at 1.888.227.7669 or visit AARP's Web site.

This information does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. The determination of how the tax laws affect a taxpayer is dependent on the taxpayer's particular situation. Taxpayers should seek help from a competent tax professional for advice about the proper application of the law to their situation.