A recent survey conducted by AARP Research, in collaboration with the American Directions Research Group, indicates that a significant majority of Connecticut residents are in favor of introducing a state income tax credit for family caregivers.
The survey highlights the financial and logistical challenges encountered by the approximately 420,000 unpaid caregivers in Connecticut, who provide critical support to aging or disabled individuals while balancing their own jobs and household duties. These caregivers, who may be family members, friends, or neighbors, offer vital assistance without compensation.
Family caregivers in Connecticut face significant stress as they navigate the physical, emotional, financial, and time-consuming responsibilities of caring for their older loved ones. New research from AARP indicates that 89 percent of adults in the state support the introduction of a family caregiver tax credit.
“Family caregivers are the backbone of the long term care system, at some point in our lives we will all be a caregiver, will need a caregiver, or know someone who is a caregiver. It is time to give caregivers the support they deserve,” said Nora Duncan, State Director, AARP Connecticut.
AARP Connecticut reports: AARP’s newest research shows 98 percent of Connecticut adults consider it important to have services enabling their loved one to remain at home for as long as possible, and 81 percent prefer care at home with caregiver assistance if long-term care is needed.
Additional key findings include:
- About three in 10 (31 percent) Connecticut residents 18 and older are or have been family caregivers, with most (73 percent) being employed at the same time.
- Transportation is the most common expense that Connecticut family caregivers say they have incurred when providing care to their loved one, with 88 percent noting the expense.
- Feeling stressed emotionally (79 percent) and stressed in trying to balance work and family responsibilities (73 percent) are most often noted by Connecticut caregivers.
Additionally, the report suggests that most Connecticut adults would be more inclined to support candidates for the state legislature who advocate for this type of state income tax credit.
A majority of Connecticut residents (53 percent) indicate that they would be more likely to support a candidate for the Connecticut State Legislature who advocates for the tax credit, while a significant minority (37 percent) report that it would not affect their voting decision. Looking at responses by political party affiliation, a larger percentage of Connecticut Democrats (71 percent) express a likelihood to support candidates endorsing the tax credit, compared to 49 percent of independents and 36 percent of Republicans.
AARP Connecticut urges state lawmakers to support a tax credit for the family caregivers across the state who are making tremendous financial, physical, and emotional sacrifices to help their older parents, spouses, and other loved ones live independently at home – where they want to be – instead of being forced into costly, taxpayer-funded nursing homes.
“Connecticut needs family caregivers. Connecticut family caregivers need financial relief. Connecticut voters want their legislators to pass a Connecticut caregiver tax credit,” reads the press release. “AARP Connecticut encourages residents to email their state lawmaker to tell them Connecticut caregivers deserve a tax credit.”
The U.S. Latino community faces unique challenges when it comes to caring for older family members, reports American Heart Association News. Latino caregivers are an average 43 years old, younger than other racial and ethnic groups, according to a National Alliance for Caregiving report. Typically, the person they care for is about 67 years old with more than one medical condition. Latino caregivers report more financial and personal strain and often have full- or part-time jobs.
Visit www.aarp.org/ct to find the full report and infographic of the research. Resources and information on family caregiving are available at aarp.org/caregiving.
Connecticut Latino News partners with AARP Connecticut in best serving the Hispanic, Latino community.