If you’ve ever helped a parent get to a doctor’s appointment, picked up medications for a loved one, managed someone’s finances, or rearranged your work schedule to make sure a family member was safe at home, you’ve probably been a caregiver—even if you never called yourself one.
That’s something I think about often in my work at AgeWays.
Every day, I talk with family caregivers across Southeast Michigan who are doing incredible things for the people they love. They’re helping aging parents remain at home, supporting spouses through illness, and stepping in when formal services aren’t enough. Most aren’t looking for recognition. They’re simply doing what family does.
But caregiving comes with real costs.
That’s why I was excited to sit down recently with Representative Kathy Schmaltz for an episode of the AgeWays Exchange to talk about Michigan’s proposed Family Caregiver Tax Credit and what it could mean for the millions of family caregivers across our state.
Recognizing the Hidden Costs of Caregiving
One of the things Representative Schmaltz emphasized during our conversation was something caregivers know all too well: providing care is expensive.
Whether it’s installing a ramp, purchasing medical equipment, driving a loved one to appointments, paying for respite care, or hiring occasional in-home help, many caregivers spend thousands of dollars out of pocket every year. As Representative Schmaltz pointed out, these costs often come on top of work responsibilities and family obligations.
House Bill 5214 seeks to provide some relief by creating a refundable caregiver tax credit. Under the proposal, eligible caregivers could receive a tax credit equal to 30 percent of qualified caregiving expenses, up to $2,000 annually.
While no single policy can solve every challenge caregiver face, this proposal acknowledges an important reality: family caregiving has value, and caregivers should not have to shoulder all of the financial burden alone.
A Personal Understanding of Caregiving
What struck me most during our conversation was that Representative Schmaltz’s support for this issue isn’t just policy-driven—it’s personal.
She shared that she helped care for her own parents and saw firsthand the sacrifices families make when a loved one needs support. When I asked her when she began to identify as a caregiver, her response was simple: she didn’t. She was taking care of her mom and dad. That’s what needed to be done.
I hear that same sentiment from caregivers all the time.
Many people don’t think of themselves as caregivers. They’re daughters. Sons. Spouses. Friends. Neighbors.
Yet they are providing care that allows older adults to remain independent and maintain their quality of life.
Supporting Caregivers Supports Michigan
One part of the conversation that particularly resonated with me was the connection between caregiving and the broader health of our communities.
Representative Schmaltz noted that when families are able to successfully care for loved ones at home, it can help avoid or delay costly nursing home placements and hospitalizations. That’s not just beneficial for families—it’s beneficial for Michigan as a whole.
At AgeWays, we see this every day.
Most older adults tell us they want to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Family caregivers make that possible. They are an essential part of our long-term care system, even though they often go unrecognized.
As our population continues to age, supporting caregivers isn’t simply a family issue. It’s an economic issue, a workforce issue, and a long-term care issue.
Encouraging Signs of Bipartisan Support
In a time when it can feel like agreement is hard to find, it was encouraging to hear that the caregiver tax credit received unanimous support in committee. Representative Schmaltz shared that both Republicans and Democrats recognized the importance of supporting family caregivers and advancing the proposal.
That’s a reminder that caregiving isn’t a partisan issue.
Nearly everyone either has been a caregiver, is currently a caregiver, or will need care someday. The challenges caregivers face cut across geography, political affiliation, income levels, and generations.
The Power of Sharing Your Story
Toward the end of our conversation, I asked Representative Schmaltz what advocates and caregivers could do to help move the legislation forward.
Her answer was straightforward: tell your story. Reach out to your legislators. Let them know what caregiving looks like in your life and why support matters.
As someone who spends a lot of time working in advocacy, I couldn’t agree more.
Data matters. Research matters. Policy analysis matters.
But stories are what bring those numbers to life.
When legislators hear directly from caregivers who are juggling jobs, raising children, supporting aging parents, and paying for care-related expenses out of their own pockets, it helps them understand what’s at stake.
Looking Forward
One of the things I appreciated most about this conversation was that it wasn’t just about a tax credit. It was about recognizing the vital role family caregivers play in our communities.
For too long, caregivers have quietly filled gaps in our long-term care system without receiving the attention or support they deserve. The Family Caregiver Tax Credit is one opportunity to change that.
Whether this legislation ultimately passes this year or requires additional work, the conversation itself is important. It sends a message that caregivers matter and that their contributions deserve recognition.
At AgeWays, we’ll continue working to elevate caregiver voices, advocate for meaningful policy solutions, and ensure that older adults and the people who care for them remain part of the conversation.
Because when we support caregivers, we’re supporting stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger Michigan.
Watch the full conversation here.
