Families increasingly bear costs of caring for elderly

Many families in the U.S. are stepping up to care for their aging loved ones. About 70% of Americans aged 65 and older will need long-term care at some point in their lives. This creates a significant burden on families who often take on the financial and emotional challenges of caregiving. Gladys Ortiz, an 83-year-old woman in Miami with Parkinson's and dementia, is a case in point. Her daughter, Yanira Portuondo, feels that caring for her mother is like a second job. Gladys sometimes experiences confusion and has trouble recognizing family members. Portuondo notes that without support, her mother could not manage on her own. Fortunately for the Ortiz family, they receive help from Medicaid, which funds a home care aide for 38 hours a week. However, that still leaves 130 hours each week where family members must provide care. Portuondo emphasizes that while everyone has their own lives, caring for her mother remains their priority. The financial strain of caregiving can be heavy. On average, family caregivers spend around 25% of their income to provide care. In response, some states are introducing measures to support these families. For example, Washington state has implemented a payroll tax to fund long-term care insurance. Other states are looking into similar solutions, and AARP is pushing for a federal tax credit to help families who care for loved ones. The challenges of caregiving are likely to increase in the future. Portuondo reflects on her own worries about aging, questioning if her daughter will someday have to care for her. Despite the exhaustion, she finds motivation in the small moments of joy, such as her mother's smiles. For many American families, caregiving is both a labor of love and a significant challenge.