If you’re the adult child of an elderly parent, providing high-quality care for him or her can be challenging for a variety of reasons. The difficulties associated with this duty are further compounded when you have to operate on a tight budget. However, the challenges can become less overwhelming if your loved one’s budget is handled properly.
Reexamine Your Loved One’s Budget
Even if your loved one has been careful with money all his or her life, decreased health and abilities can make an existing budget obsolete. Sit down together and explore all the options. Add up retirement income, social security, and any other earnings and compare them to current expenses. Some things, such as cable TV or expensive food options, may have to go.
Some seniors may find it difficult to pay their bills and plan their finances while managing daily activities. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable homecare services. Families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Obtain Financial Power of Attorney
Responsible family caregivers should get financial powers of attorney to both take charge of and protect their loved ones’ money. If your loved one is experiencing cognitive decline due to dementia or Alzheimer’s, the condition may make him or her more susceptible to scammers. Limiting access to funds can eliminate wasteful spending on a tight budget and keep your loved one protected.
Use Free Services when Possible
Various organizations offer completely free services to elderly people. Caregivers who need legal or financial advice and don’t have the funds to pay lawyers can contact their local Office on Aging or reach out to local law schools that offer free legal advice. Besides choosing affordable Medicare plans, caregivers can get assistance through state pharmaceutical savings plans. Also, check local charities, churches, and volunteer organizations for additional help.
Taking advantage of cost-saving opportunities can help aging adults boost their wellbeing and enjoy a higher quality of life. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-home care. Anchorage, AK, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Research Senior Discounts
When you’re providing home care on a tight budget, you probably clip coupons for your loved one’s food, hygiene products, and medical supplies whenever possible. AARP offers many discounts that can make life more enjoyable for a senior without costing a lot of extra money. These discounts not only include restaurant meals and travel to visit faraway family members but also essential expenses such as eye exams and hearing aids.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if you need a break from your caregiving duties to tend to your loved one’s financial matters. Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Anchorage families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (907) 770-0907 to learn more about our high-quality home care services.