Pismo Beach, CA Alzheimer's Care; Dementia Care

Alzheimer's and Dementia Care

Nearly six million individuals in the United States and Canada alone have Alzheimer's disease and related dementia - a number that is expected to reach nearly 20 million in the next five decades. These are not just statistics; they represent millions of families with loved ones who require special senior care, both at home and in assisted living facilities.

You are not alone. Since 1994, families like yours have trusted Home Instead Senior Care to provide one-on-one home care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

The American Society on Aging has recognized Home Instead, Inc. as the Small Business of the Year for it's exclusive CAREGiver training program designed by The George G. Glenner Alzheimer's Family Center, Inc.- world renowned dementia and Alzheimer's experts.

This program and other professionally developed and recognized Alzheimer's training programs are used throughout Home Instead Senior Care's offices. They provide CAREGivers with the latest in Alzheimer's education and home care techniques, so you can be assured your loved one is with a trusted professional. CAREGivers are trained to:

Maintain a safe environment
Manage changing behaviors
Provide nutritious meals
Provide mind-stimulating activities
Create social interaction
Supervise daily activities

CAREGivers can also provide assistance with enhancing and restoring the simple pleasures of life, such as a walk in the park, a ride in the car to get ice cream or spending time in the garden. These elder care activities are proven to maximize abilities and independence. They remain one of the best treatments for this disease.

The best place for a person with memory loss is in familiar surroundings. The services provided by Home Instead Senior Care's family network of locally involved franchise offices are a valuable, trusted solution to help your loved one maintain a regular routine, thus enhancing his or her quality of life.

Home Instead, Inc. and The George G. Glenner Alzheimer's Family Centers, Inc. of San Diego, CA partnered to develop an Alzheimer's training program for Home Instead CAREGivers. The program is a direct result of The Glenner Centers' 20 years of experience in serving Alzheimer's patients, helping their families and educating healthcare professionals. This important program is a natural progression of the Alzheimer's training already provided in the company's comprehensive training program.

Our approach of encouragement and assistance helps family members cope with the challenges of dementia. Find a Home Instead Senior Care franchise office near you; visit the National Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org or log onto the Alzheimer's Foundation web site at http://www.alzfdn.org/ for more information and resources.

To download the "Your Trusted Source for Alzheimer's and Dementia" brochure, click here.

To download "Helping Families Cope - an Alzheimer's Resource Guide for Family Caregivers," click here.

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.