It used to be more likely that Mom and Dad would live nearby or, at the very least, in the same city. But, that's not the case today. I know Al struggles with this problem with his own mother, who lives in Tennessee. We are always grateful for the extended family and friends that help out on a day to day basis. Caring for a family member is one of the most valuable and important jobs someone can do, and as a nation we need to support those who do it.
Government can help families raise children and care for their elderly parents.
We can offer a tax credit for long-term care to ease the financial burden. Congress can reauthorize the Older Americans Act to create the National Family Caregiving Support Program and support other direct services to older Americans, like Meals on Wheels. Congress and the Administration can study ways to provide incentives to private insurers to offer affordable long-term care insurance. These initiatives can help relieve and address families' emotional and financial burdens that caregiving imposes. We should not pretend that any government program can ease families' emotional and financial strains.