Taking care of loved ones can be costly. According to a 2023 study by AARP, the average caregiver spends more than $7,000 out of pocket every year. Support groups, transportation and home modifications are expenses that can add up. Relief for unpaid caregivers could come in the form of a tax credit after bills were introduced at both a national and state level.

Five years ago, Mark Charboneau was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and his wife Pat Charboneau became his caregiver.

“Actually, I've had to learn a lot. Patience is the first thing,” said Pat.

She said while the family keeps a consistent schedule, she doesn’t know what each day will bring.

“I just feel you have to be on call all the time. You have to have your eyes wide open every minute, because you never know what's going to spur someone to go do something that maybe wouldn't be a great idea,” said Pat.

What You Need To Know

  • According to a 2023 study by AARP, the average caregiver spends more than seven thousand dollars out of pocket every year

  • New York state has a proposed bill that would provide a $3,000 tax credit for rural caregivers 

  • Nationally, a similar bill, the 'Credit for Caring Act,' would provide a $5,000 tax credit

Mark attends several support groups throughout the week.

“These associations, [while] they're fabulous and they're worth what it costs, it does add up,” said Pat.

There is a proposed bill in New York state that would provide a $3,000 tax credit for rural caregivers and incentivize businesses who offer flexible work options.

“I think most of the time they do want to stay in their homes. This offers that opportunity to do that. The rural areas often face a lot of challenges that we don't see in other areas. Transportation being the biggest one,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “Whether people realize it or not, we have 150 Assembly districts. This is happening in your community.”

Nationally, a similar bill, the 'Credit for Caring Act,' is on the table, which would provide a $5,000 tax credit for transportation, home modification and other expenses.

“We ask a lot of our caregivers, especially our unpaid caregivers. So, the Credit for Caring Act is a bill that would provide these individuals with a little bit of financial relief,” said Bill Gustafson, senior director of government affairs with the Alzheimer’s Association in New York state.

“It would be great if we started looking into a way to support the support givers because it's a lot,” said Pat.

“You're not your disease. You're a person living with Alzheimer's, but you're not Alzheimer's,” said Mark.

According to AARP, there are more than 2 million unpaid caregivers in New York state. And the Alzheimer’s Association says there are more than 400,000 people in New York state living with the disease.