In recognition of National Caregiving Month, advocates in Oregon are highlighting the immense value of family caregivers as well as the significant challenges they face.
New data revealed nearly a quarter of adults in the state, approximately 790,000 people, serve as family caregivers for older relatives, friends or children with disabilities.
Michael Schultz is among them, who has cared for his wife for nearly two years after illness left her with limited mobility. He said her declining health meant he had to rapidly rethink and reorganize their daily lives.
“You have to start problem-solving very quickly,” Schultz explained. “It became very clear that I would be living the life for a while of becoming a pretzel because you really have to bend in shape to everything that’s going on.”
The report found more than 40% of caregivers faced financial setbacks such as debt or drained savings, while a third experienced high emotional stress. AARP Oregon is hosting events this month to celebrate caregivers and offer resources.
Bandana Shrestha, state director of AARP Oregon, argued family caregivers are the backbone of the state’s long-term care system. She pointed out they provide medical care such as giving injections and managing medications with little or no training. According to the report, family caregivers provide nearly $9 billion in unpaid care each year in Oregon.
“Sometimes we take for granted that our neighbors, our family members, are caring for us and contributing this immense service to not only to the family members and the friends, but really to our society at large,” Shrestha emphasized.
At the federal level, AARP is advocating for the Credit for Caring Act. The legislation would offer a $5,000 tax credit to help family caregivers recoup some of their out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance. Shrestha added this month serves as a reminder everyone will either provide or need care at some point, and caregivers deserve appreciation throughout the entire year.
“Thank you for all you’re doing. You’re not alone. We are here,” Shrestha underscored. “There are a lot of resources out there in the community. I hope you get to take some rest and connect with your loved ones.”