By Ana Celerier Salcedo

The Upper Middlesex Commission on the Status of Women held a virtual town hall on eldercare on Monday, June 5. The virtual town hall was held due to the various concerns about eldercare and its effects on women, specifically in the local community.

The mission of The Upper Middlesex Commission on the Status of Women is to uphold the ideals and pursue actions consonant with the upward economic and social mobility of women and girls.

On the agenda for the town hall meeting was a personal opening story given by Commissioner Jennifer Roecklein-Canfield, followed by upcoming bills enhancing eldercare, planning for the care of older adults, improving employee caregivers’ lives, and elder law planning.

Michael A. Stankavish Esq. came to speak about elder law and stressed the importance of having discussions on the legalities of elder care before having an immediate need for it. Honoring Choices Massachusetts was a resource provided to aid in advanced financial and legal planning for older adults. The importance of building a care team was also discussed. A care team is created with the ideal end goal of developing a team that will be involved in the care of the elder long-term.

It was suggested that one should consider the following questions when planning for a discussion with an elderly family member. What are the older adult’s goals and wishes for the future? Living in the current home? Relocating near family or friends? Moving to an alternate care setting? What plans have already been considered or made? If there are care needs, how will these be met?

Another resource presented was Minuteman Senior Services, a non-profit that has been providing services for 47 years and has 16 communities north and west of Boston with over 20 plus programs and services.

Speaking about an upcoming Eldercare Bill was Senator Jason Lewis. The bill is called “An Act to Establish the Family Caregiving Tax Credit.” According to Lewis, more than 800,000 bay state residents are caring for aging parents or loved ones.

What the bill proposes would be a refundable tax credit, which would be available when you file your income tax return, and the credit would be 100% on eligible expenses up to a maximum amount of 1,500 dollars annually. What would be eligible for that reimbursable credit would be the following, stated Lewis.

Things like improvements or alterations to the taxpayer’s residence where they are caring for their elderly family member that would help that person be mobile, for example, a ramp. Purchase or lease of equipment necessary to carry out daily activities. As well as hiring home care aids, adult day health services, transportation costs, and legal costs.