Who Supports the Care Takers
A Common-Sense Plan to Strengthen Families and Fix What’s Broken
The Problem
Across Ohio, thousands of caregivers are quietly holding families together. They are spouses, parents, and children who step up when a loved one gets sick. But too often, they are left alone. Not just without financial support, but without even basic help or encouragement from their own families.
At the same time, our system forces families to spend down their savings before getting help. Offers limited long-term care support. Provides little to no relief for caregivers. Ohio depends on caregivers—but does almost nothing to support them.
The Reality
Caregivers are:
Leaving jobs and losing income, sacrificing their health and retirement, providing care that saves the system billions, and many are doing it without help, without recognition, and without even a kind word from those around them.
The Solution: A Practical Ohio Plan
1. Family Caregiver Tax Credit
Provide a state tax credit for primary caregivers to offset out-of-pocket costs.
2. Caregiver Relief Grants
Create local, flexible grants for:
In-home respite care
Adult day services
Short-term relief support
Even a few hours of help can make a real difference.
3. Expand Home-Based Care
Prioritize care that allows Ohioans to:
Stay in their homes
Maintain independence
Avoid costly institutions
Better for families. Smarter for taxpayers.
4. Fix Medicaid Access
Make the system work for people in crisis:
Simplify applications
Reduce delays
Increase transparency
No family should have to go broke just to get help.
5. Support Working Caregivers
Encourage:
Flexible work options
Job protection policies
Employer incentives
No one should have to choose between a paycheck and a loved one.
6. Rebuild a Culture of Support
Caregiving shouldn’t fall on one person alone.
We need to say it clearly:
Family support matters. Showing up matters. Even a simple phone call matters.
The Bottom Line
Ohio families are strong.
But strength doesn’t mean carrying everything alone.
It’s time for policies—and people—to start showing up for those who never stop showing up for others.
Keith Castillo, Libertarian Candidate OH CD 13
Posted on 17 Mar 2026, 19:25 - Category: The Health Care System