From our latest newsletter

The long winter is  past and colorful LIFE bursts out all  over.  It’s time to think
about some  old favorites and to add  some new activities that will get us up and out..
But, there is  a less enticing part of spring’s arrival and that is:   we must file IRS
returns by April 16! Do you wonder what being a caregiver entitles you to?

Note: The following is not intended as tax advice. Always consult a tax professional.

It isn’t just time, but money that most caregivers donate to help maintain the
ones they love. When tax time rolls around, you may be able to claim your parent
as a dependent on your income taxes. This would allow you to get an exemption
In order to claim your elderly loved one as a dependent on your taxes, you must meet
certain criteria. Any dependent must meet these tests, according to tax experts at
www.bankrate.com: You (the caregiver) cannot be claimed as a dependent by another
taxpayer. The dependent must be a resident of the U.S., Canada or Mexico, and can
not file a joint tax return with a spouse.

Relationship: The person who you want to claim as a dependent must be a qualified relative include: mother,
father, grandparent, stepmother, stepfather, mother-in-law, father-in-law.

Elder’s income: Elderly persons’ gross annual income must be less than $3,650. Social Security normally is
excludable.

Counting medical expenses: Once your parent meets the IRS dependency tests, you can use any medical
expenses you pay for them toward this itemized deduction. Medical costs must exceed 7.5 percent of your
adjusted gross income before you can claim them. A parent’s added expenses could help you meet the requirements.

Shared caregiving: The relative who is providing more than 50% of the support is entitled to claim the dependent.
For more information on claiming an elderly relative as a dependent, see IRS Publication 501: Exemptions, Standard Deductions and Filing Information.

Please see www.irs.gov if you are filing independently. You may be entitled to deductions for your own care.
Anytime you are not sure about the deductions for which you are eligible, please consult a
qualified tax professional for advice.

From our latest newsletter.

AudiaHealth, LLC, a leader in helping healthcare providers engage patients for better health, has partnered with Care For Life, a Geriatric Care Management and Homecare Agency in Charleston, SC, to trial the use of Talking HealthCards within their care process with seniors.

Talking HealthCards are a simple solution to helping patients recall What did the Doctor say? Research shows that 60% of patients cannot identify their medications and over 50% of the 2 billion prescriptions written each year are not taken correctly.

Talking HealthCards, when used by doctors with their patients, increase the likelihood for patients to know their latest treatment instructions. They allow healthcare providers to record personalized care instructions for patients, their family, and others involved in their care.
“Healthcare reform is driving the need for improved quality and reduced cost patient care. Enhancing patient engagement and clinician communication is a cost effective way to improve the care process.” said Dr. Linda Austin, AudiaHealth’s Chief Medical Officer.

Mary Peters, MS, CMC, RG, Certified Geriatric Care Manager, Care For Life’s founder and president, is delighted to be the eldercare agency chosen to use the TalkingHealth Cards in a trial. As a strong seniors advocate, Peters quickly recognized the value in recording care instructions. “Patients and their families get overwhelmed with information. Talking HealthCards help clarify key doctor visit information or medication changes from visit to visit. In addition, it may help patients feel more confident and independent since they can listen to their healthcare provider’s voice over and over again.”
“We’re excited to work with Care For Life because of their proven leadership in eldercare services. They are Charleston’s only agency with Certified Geriatric Care Managers and their own staff of caregivers,” said Betti Kerrigan, AudiaHealth’s CEO. “Mary and her team understand the challenges of chronically ill patients and appreciate the importance of engaging patients and their family in their care. We look forward to their evaluation of AudiaHealth’s Talking HealthCards in their care process.”