Caregivers supporting their elderly parents and spouses overwhelmingly want more state financial aid, while legislation that aligns with their desired relief remains stuck in committee at a time when state government is already scrutinizing every health care expenditure.
Some 48 percent of caregivers say the state does not provide sufficient support for unpaid family caregivers, according to a new survey AARP Massachusetts released Tuesday.
The survey found 85 percent of respondents support establishing a state tax credit for caregivers, 74 percent support providing respite vouchers for caregivers, and 71 percent support paying spouse caregivers. The survey recorded bipartisan support for each. Just more than 1,100 registered voters ages 30 and up were interviewed in October, with AARP asking more detailed follow-up questions of caregivers.
“Most Massachusetts caregivers have worked while providing care and have needed to adjust their work schedules by going in late, leaving early, or taking time off while working for an hourly wage,” the AARP report says. “Three in four spend their own money to provide care, and over half face financial hardships.”
The survey comes as Massachusetts sees an explosion of older adults who are straining the state’s care system, including services offered in home- and community-based settings. Governor Maura Healey’s fiscal 2027 budget proposes $1.06 billion for the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, a $92 million increase to keep up with surging home care and congregate caseloads. Her budget also features some cuts to MassHealth, including among personal care attendants, as officials look to rein in spending on services not required by the federal government.
Caregivers in Massachusetts deliver more than 730 million hours of unpaid care annually, valued at over $15 billion, the AARP report said. Caregiving encompasses help with everyday activities like shopping, household chores, transportation, meal prep, managing finances, and medication management.
Most caregivers are women with a median age of 56, and they are most likely caring for their mothers or fathers who have a median age of 74, the report said. More than half of caregivers said they spent $100 to over $1,000 providing care per month, and over half reported “this is extremely, very, or somewhat difficult for them.”
AARP supports legislation from Senator Jo Comerford and Representatives Michael Kushmerek and David Rogers that would create a caregiver tax credit of up to $1,500, authorize respite vouchers of up to $1,500 for caregivers, and establish an advisory committee on family caregiving.
The proposals had a hearing before the Revenue Committee in mid-September and have since languished. The Senate bill is under a pending extension order until June 25, while the House bill requires action by March 18, according to the Senate and House clerks.
Caregivers could support eligible family members who are at least 18 years old, including a dependent, spouse, parent, or another relative “by blood or marriage” under the bills. Respite services would offer short-term relief for family caregivers who support loved ones with chronic health conditions, disabilities, or functional limitations, according to the legislation.
The AARP survey found 73 percent of respondents favor the creation of a family caregiving advisory council, and the legislation says it would be composed of state officials, advocates, caregivers, health care providers, and other stakeholders.
Narrower legislation allowing spouses to serve as paid caregivers through MassHealth cleared the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities on Feb. 2 and is now in the custody of the Health Care Financing Committee. The HCF Committee sent a similar measure to study last session.
The state currently offers a free family caregiver support program, which makes referrals to community services and resources, offers training and counseling, and provides respite care.
The 2018 paid family and medical leave law also allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid leave to care for a loved one with a “serious health condition.” That includes caring for a spouse or parent.