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A number of bills are moving through the Legislature to give family caregivers some assistance in performing this important job.
Aging at home is very often more compassionate, life-fulfilling and affordable than institutional alternatives. Familiar surroundings and activities are crucial to a positive quality (and likely quantity) of life. Out of an abundance of love, family caregivers provide that assistance — often at great real-world sacrifice.
The expenses of providing home health care, while less than a professional alternative, can be substantial.
The solutions being proposed in the Legislature include a tax credit for expenses associated with caregiving and establishing a fund for paid family leave. These investments in aging at home will prevent the much-more costly outcomes of state-sponsored medical treatment for kupuna and unemployment compensation for caregivers. Compassionate and forward- thinking legislators will support these measures.
Kevin Johnson
Kapolei
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