For those of us who take care of our parents at home (I take care of my 97 year old

mother who suffers from dementia) it often galls me come tax time that I can not de-clare her as a dependent.  I receive $500.00 a month rent from her but that does not

even begin to compensate for the extra groceries, double electric, taking care of her

finances, driving her to all appointments, gas, etc.  Issues such as this also need to be

address also as we are saving the government thousands by keeping our parents at home and in safe environments as long as possible.

Sincerely,

Jeanette

4/10/09 9:00pm

I agree with you Virginia.  We should be able claim this responsibily on our tax returns as a dependant.  It would help a lot financially and maybe I could afford a day off every now and then.  I love my Mother but I have been taking care of her now for 3 years - 24 hours a day.  I'm tired, depressed and see no end.  I retired from 30 years working for the government, sometimes working 4 extra hours a day without extra pay.  I was so happy when I retired but my life was not to be.  Within the year my Mother was diagnosed.  We need help. 

Dorian Martin

4/11/09 7:57am

I agree with you totally. You may want to call your congressman and senators to pass your ideas along to them. Also, take time to sign up for the Alzheimer's Association's (www.alz.org) advocacy network to stay informed. That group stays in contact with Congress and serves as a voice for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. That link is http://www.actionalz.org/

 

Take care!

 

Dorian

Dorian Martin

4/11/09 7:58am

Hi, Jeannette,

 

I'd also suggest that you contact your senators and congressman to voice your thoughts. And also, take time to sign up for the Alzheimer's Association's (www.alz.org) advocacy network to stay informed. That group stays in contact with Congress and serves as a voice for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. That link is http://www.actionalz.org/

 

Take care!

 

Dorian

  ..

My father suffered from AD for 12 years. My Mother was the primary caregiver with my siblings supporting her efforts. Although we were fortunate  to have long term health insurance for my father, it still drained the family resources. More importantly, I watched as the ever growing needs of my Father and Mother tore into the fabric of my family. Where we were once a very close-knit family when my Fahter was alive and well, today it is a shell of that. It makes me very sad to know that this disease not only took my Father, but also took my family as I knew it.;

Dorian Martin

4/16/09 7:11am

Hi, Jerome,

 

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Alzheimer's can take it's toll in so many ways on so many people. Hopefully, momentum will be built by the Alzheimer's Study Group, the medical community, current and past caregivers, those who have Alzheimer's, and other interested parties so that Congress takes meaningful action to stop this disease and to provide critical support to those who are afflicted and their caregivers until a cure is found.

 

Take care!

 

Dorian