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State Representative Paul Thissen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5375
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
NEWS COLUMN
The Critical Role of Informal Caregivers
At some time in our lives, it is very likely we will find ourselves in the position of having to care for an elderly family member or friend. We often haven't planned for this, but rather have it thrust upon us by circumstance – maybe a sudden illness, an injury, or just aging has made our loved one unable to manage their basic needs. While we may understand this caregiving is not without challenges, we usually don't realize the toll it can take on our lives - physically, emotionally and often, financially.
In fact, caring for our rapidly growing senior population is one of the most significant challenges facing our state in the coming decades. Over the next twenty-five years, the number of older individuals in Minnesota will increase from 12 percent to 23 percent. Much of that growth will be among Minnesotans older than 80. These individuals will likely require assistance with the very basic activities of daily life – from grocery shopping and cooking meals to household maintenance and staying physically fit.
The family members and friends who step into this role of informal caregiver are there because they want their loved ones to be safe and healthy, to live out their days with dignity and comfort. An added benefit for all of us is that this level of care is also the most cost-effective and many times, the most desirable way to care for older Minnesotans. The work of these informal caregivers takes a tremendous load off long-term care institutions, and the economic value of those services nationwide dwarfs national expenditures for home health care and nursing home care.
There are also significant savings to the state. The Minnesota Department of Human Services estimates that for every one percent decrease in the number of individuals being cared for in their homes instead of nursing homes, the yearly savings for the state is $30 million. In addition, there are important intangible benefits. Informal caregivers allow people to remain in their homes longer and to continue to participate in the life of their community. That is good for the care recipient and for all of us.
It is the caregiver, however, who often pays the price. Typically, a caregiver provides 12 hours of services each week over four years. During that time, two-thirds also hold down jobs and forty percent are raising their own children. Not surprisingly, their efforts take a toll on their health and employment responsibilities, put added stress on their families and alter their lifestyles. For example:
• A 1999 study noted that forty percent of caregivers reported their caregiving duties slowed their advancement at work; nearly one in three missed a promotion.
• Another study indicated there is a substantial adverse effect on the income of caregivers. In fact, the average amount of lost earnings over a caregivers lifetime is estimated at $556,000.
• Caregiving involves significant out-of-pocket expenses for things such as rent and home care assistance, adding up to an average of close to $20,000 over a typical two to six year period.
• Twenty percent of caregivers report significant health problems associated with caregiving.
It should come as no surprise then, that caregiver "burnout" is common. From both a personal and public policy standpoint, preventing or delaying burnout is a challenge we must address. It is not only the moral thing to do, but our state realizes considerable taxpayer savings when people can remain in their homes rather than be placed in a nursing institution.
In an effort to address this issue, I am promoting the Long-Term Caregiver Protection Act. The goal of this comprehensive package of initiatives is threefold; to offer support to informal caregivers, delay the time when an older person is placed in a nursing facility and consequently, offer a significant savings to the state.
The cornerstone of the proposal is a $200 a month tax credit for those individuals who provide informal care to family members to help offset expenses and lost wages associated with this caregiving. The tax credit will be available to family members whose loved one would otherwise qualify for admission to a nursing home. In addition, we propose to allow employees to use sick leave to care for a spouse, parent, grandparent or stepparent.
Escalating costs to the state for long-term care are here to stay for the next several decades. We must start taking action now to build a system that provides high quality care in a cost-effective way. That means investing in and supporting those individuals who are already doing that work - informal caregivers. The Long-Term Caregiver Protection Act is an important step toward accomplishing that goal.
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