By Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
LINCOLN, Neb. – Caregiving for an ill, aging, or disabled family member is a challenging and rewarding endeavor. During November, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) celebrates the vital roles all caregivers play in bolstering communities with priceless natural supports, allowing loved ones to live independently and in their own homes for as long as possible. The DHHS Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) also recognizes the resources available for caregivers to replenish, rejuvenate and balance responsibilities.
A family caregiver is defined as someone who provides assistance and support to an individual with a special health care need. In Nebraska, an estimated one in five adults are family caregivers.
“Caregiving can seem isolating, taxing, and confusing. Caregivers often assist their loved ones automatically without considering the personal physical, mental, emotional and financial investment of supporting a family member with a chronic illness, disability, or age-related condition,” said Tony Green, Director of DDD. “Supporting a loved one can involve constantly rearranging your schedule or learning to do a range of unknown and complex activities. Remember to set aside time to recharge, guilt-free. Utilize a respite service and allow yourself time for personal care or rest to restore your stamina, energy, and positivity.”
In Nebraska, around 312,000 individuals provide care to a family member or friend. Caregivers help their loved ones manage medical care, medicines, meal preparation, eating, bathing, home maintenance, feeding, dressing, chores, finances, grocery shopping, transportation and more. Even if a loved one does not live close, they can still provide valuable care by calling to check in, ordering supplies, assisting with scheduling appointments, and more to tend to their loved one’s unique needs.
Several caregivers work full or part-time jobs, which may lead to moments of feeling overwhelmed because of their “double duty.” In 2024, an estimated 31 percent of caregivers care for both a child at home and an adult. An estimated 62 percent of caregivers worked while also providing ongoing care to a loved one or friend. Caregivers may have to take time away from their jobs due to being in the role of a caregiver and meeting the immediate needs of the care recipient. Employees covered under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may be able to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave a year to care for relatives.
Nebraska Revised Statutes § 77-3163 to 77-3166 outlines the tax credits for those providing care to family members with additional needs. That tax credit can be applied for taxable years beginning after Jan. 1, 2025. The Caregiver Tax Credit provides a nonrefundable tax credit for out-of-pocket costs incurred by the caregiver for a specific set of services. This tax credit is essential in supporting the unpaid caregiver and their family with care directly related to special health care needs.
Support Resources for Caregivers:
-Easing the burden for caregivers will improve the overall quality of care while allowing them much-needed respite from what normally requires full attention. For more information, visit www.respite.ne.gov to find additional resources, or contact your local respite coordinator by calling 1-866-RESPITE.
-Home care is the preferred method of health care delivery among the disabled, aging individuals, and chronically ill. Most communities have some type of respite care available, such as in-home respite where aides come into the home for a scheduled period of time, adult care centers/programs, and short-term respite care which may be available in some assisted living communities.
-Find local resources for caregivers by checking out the Eldercare Locator, local Area Agency on Aging (AAA), or Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to learn about services within the community.
-The Lifespan Respite Program provides funding for eligible unpaid primary family caregivers. Apply for services or to become a service provider: dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Respite.aspx.
-Call, text, or chat 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
-The Nebraska Family Helpline is available for parents with any question, any time. (888) 866-8660.
-Rural Response Hotline, (800) 464-0258.