By Bob Katzen
The Revenue Committee held a hearing on a pair of bills filed by Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) which would offer tax credits to families taking care of sick or elderly relatives at home.

S 1906 would provide a $2,500 tax credit for families that provide more than half of the support for a relative who is at least 70 years old, or a totally disabled relative with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. The relative must have lived with the family for more than six months within the year the tax credit is provided.

S 1908 would offer a $5,000 tax credit to individuals who pay for direct home health services for themselves or elderly parents and in-laws aged 60 and over. The legislation would also allow a $5,000 tax credit to individuals who pay for direct home hospice services from a licensed provider for either themselves or another.

“Caregivers are most often family members,” said the bills’ sponsor Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “Whether they’re staying home to take care of family or bringing in additional help, these individuals shouldn’t have to worry about difficult financial decisions. These bills seek to ease their burden and allow them to spend more quality time with their loved ones.”