Caregivers in Kentucky face sweeping financial and emotional challenges, often with little support, according to new data from AARP.
November is National Caregiving Month.
Gary Adkins, volunteer state president of AARP Kentucky, said the majority of caregivers use their own money to meet loved ones' needs, spending on average around $7,200 annually. He added more than half of caregivers in the Commonwealth report financial setbacks.
"They're taking on debt," Adkins outlined. "They're draining their savings. They're struggling to afford basics like food and medicine."
Most family caregivers in Kentucky care for an adult, often a parent and 21% care for a child with complex medical needs. Two in five caregivers live in a household with income of less than $50,000 per year. A recent United Nations report found population decline in the U.S. could leave fewer caregivers for parents, grandparents and relatives.
Adkins argued policies such as offering a $5,000 tax credit to caregivers could help offset financial burdens and stress for families. He added the issue is a nonpartisan one for lawmakers.
"It's not Republican, it's not independent, it's not Democrat," Adkins emphasized. "This affects everybody, and our legislators understand that; it’s just a matter of getting this ball rolling so that some action to be taken on the federal level."
A quarter of family caregivers experience seven or more days a month of poor physical health. Three in 10 caregivers experience high emotional stress while caregiving and nearly one quarter have difficulty taking care of their own health while they focus on their care recipient’s needs.