Joyce Beck of Grand Island testified Thursday in support of a bill at the Nebraska Legislature to provide a tax credit for caregivers of loved ones. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)
LINCOLN — The health of Joyce Beck’s husband spiraled downward after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in his 40s.
There was a quadruple heart bypass surgery in his 50s, followed by issues with erratic blood pressure and, later, prostate cancer and a fractured hip and pelvis.
Beck, a hospital CEO, was forced to retire early to provide the almost constant care her husband needed. That made it even harder to afford the estimated $10,000 a year in out-of-pocket costs for medications and his health care.
On Thursday, Beck and others told a state legislative committee that a proposed state tax credit would help her and other family caregivers afford care for their loved ones, keeping them out of nursing homes and off taxpayer support.
Help keep loved ones at home
State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln said it only makes sense to help family caregivers because of “a surge in older adults” and a decrease in those available to care for them.