PHOENIX — Family caregivers now spend an average of $11,508 a year out of their own pockets to care for a loved one, according to a new AARP study, Arizona’s Family reported.
That is up 60% from five years ago, more than double the rate of inflation, the study found. Most of the increase comes from higher food, housing and medical costs.
“It absolutely is a wake-up call,” said Dana Kennedy, state director for AARP Arizona.
Kennedy said many Arizona families are stretching their budgets to avoid hiring a professional caregiver. “They may be taking money away from their own retirement in order to help pay for the expenses of their loved one, medications, utility costs, home modifications,” she said.
Debbie Gross, co-owner of Home Instead Phoenix, said families can save money in the long run by planning ahead. Getting an older adult professional help before a crisis is usually cheaper than a long hospital stay or a long-term care facility, she said.
“Before you get to the point where you can’t get mom out of bed, figure out what’s out there,” Gross said.
Arizonans looking for caregiving help in their area can dial 211 to reach a resource hotline.
Sources: Arizona’s Family. Thee Arizona Times uses AI-assisted reporting reviewed against the sources listed.
Photo: Sysman / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
