Editor:
“Floating ideas” (Reading Eagle, Dec. 6) indicates that our state legislators have $100 million to spend on mental health. May I suggest that they consider tax breaks for those who care for those with Alzheimer’s disease at home or in a nursing home.
The costs for providing care have exploded.
In a nursing home, for example, costs for many exceed $100,000 per year. Skilled nursing in late stages is increasing to an excess of $150,000 a year. Any savings accumulated for retirement are soon eliminated due to continuing inflation, especially for those with pensions without cost-of-living increases.
The many millions of people affected by this disease should also receive help from the federal government in order to allow retirees of yesteryear to avoid having to ask for help.
The younger generation should consider insurance to cover the possibility of the substantial expenses, especially if relatives have had the disease.
The bottom line answer is to find the magic pill that will eliminate the disease. But in the meantime some major tax relief should be made available .
Martin Reisch
Spring Township
Source: Berkshire mont
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