In the financial section (on the left side of the home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com), Joan has a link to the AZ Ass'n brochure on taxes, which is very helpful. You can deduct payments for in-home care if your spouse is certified as needing it (see below). Has anyone gotten this from their neuro or other doctor? ----------- Documentation.
It is very important to obtain and retain documentation about the care given, including certifications and plans of care. To be a chronically ill individual for purposes of the tax laws, a person must be so certified within the preceding 12-month period by a licensed health care practitioner. For services to be qualified long-term care services, they must be provided under a plan of care prescribed by a licensed health care practitioner. It is important to retain certifications and plans of care, as well as assessments and recommendations from health professionals, notes about care from care providers, sitters, family and friends, and notes regarding any incidents of violent, unsafe or dangerous behavior, wandering, falling, or the like. Because of the progressive deterioration caused by Alzheimer’s disease, it is also important to reevaluate the situation every year; the care situation may change over time, and an expense that does not qualify as medical care in an early stage of the disease may qualify in the later stages.
never knew about it per se from dr. i send to tax guy and he knows or not. i know the agency i signed him up to send aides has a 'care plan' set up for him but thats it. i dont think it would be hard to show if it was ever challenged.. you would have the initial dr records and your dr could give a lettr at any time if needed that they have dementia...i am not too worried.. if audited and questioned you would need this info..divvi
how is this any different from child daycare for working parents? they dont need certification..