Expert: Michalene Peticca - 12/5/2010

Question
My husband and I live with his father who has alzheimers. He recently fell and broke his hip and now requires 24hr supervision. We both work full time, until now other siblings have been taking turns being at home during the day.  Father in law has a pension and savings to the point no state program will pay for respite care.  The other siblings are getting tired of providing care and are talking of leaving father alone during the day which is obviously unacceptable.  Because all father needs is unskilled nursing (cooking simple lunch and making sure he doesn't go wandering outside) we are thinking of just hiring 'babysitters'. If we do this outside of a agency how do we set things up so everybody can claim the money flow on taxes? We could also use caregiver support for us as the bulk of the care and stress is falling on just us.
thank you

Answer
Hello Janice,

Thank you so much for writing.

In regards to tax deductions, i would suggest you consult your accountant or tax professional for thier expertise as to what deductions you can set up for caregivers.

I would suggest you contact your local Office of Aging for any caregiver help that your family is entitled to, and best of luck.

Best Regards,

Michalene Peticca, MA