A spokesman for AARP Wisconsin says an income tax credit for family caregivers would save money in the long run. A bipartisan proposal backed by AARP would create a $1000 income tax credit for family members in Wisconsin who give care to qualified disabled and elderly people in their homes. AARP spokesman Jim Flaherty says that doesn’t begin to cover the cost associated with caring for an elderly family member. “No it sure doesn’t, but it certainly is a start,” Flaherty told WFDL news. “At AARP we talk to these folks just about every day. We call them the unsung heroes of Wisconsin. Six hundred thousand Wisconsinites are taking care of loved ones so they can remain living in their own homes and communities as long as possible rather than having to be transitioned into costly insititutions.” Flaherty says the $173 million up front cost doesn’t take into account the potential savings to Medicaid that caring for people at home longer provides.
