Stretch Your Eldercare Dollars

By: Phyllis Staff

Many elders fear outliving their retirement nest egg, so we put together a few of our best dollar-saving tips to help.

Select the lowest level of care needed.

Many Assisted Living facilities offer graduated levels of care. They may be able to meet your elder's needs with something less than 24-hour-a-day care. Among other services, they can provide
· medication reminders,
· transfers from bed to wheelchair,
· bathing, and,
· grooming and dressing help.

The following is a list of warning signs one should be aware of when evaluating your loved one’s situation. If the senior exhibits two or more of these signs, assistance is likely required:

• When your loved one or their spouse can no longer provide care due to debilitating health conditions
• When your loved one experiences difficulty with walking, or is unsteady when standing
• When your loved one’s safety is compromised due to hazards in the home such as stairs, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, and dangers in the kitchen or bathroom
• When your loved one needs assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation
• When your loved one becomes confused about taking their medications
• When your loved one is afraid of falling or being alone
• When your loved one exhibits changes in personality or has sudden mood swings
• When your loved one is no longer able to manage their finances and requires assistance with administering their monthly household expenses

If you feel assistance with long term care may be necessary, have a discussion with your loved one and talk to them about their concerns and desires. It’s important to help your loved one maintain their independence for as long as possible. Your loved one should be involved in the decision making process as long as their decisions do not negatively impact their health and safety. Talk with other family members and get their input as well. If necessary, discuss your concerns with your loved one’s physician, attorney or financial advisor, and make sure all aspects of their long term care needs have been met. It’s never too early to be concerned about your loved one’s long term care needs. Being aware of their needs and continually reevaluating their situation will help ensure the long term needs of your loved one will be met.

About the Author

Phyllis Staff, Ph.D. - Phyllis Staff is an experimental psychologist and the CEO of The Best Is Yet.Net, an internet company that helps seniors and caregivers find trustworthy residential care. She is the author of How to Find Great Senior Housing: A Roadmap for Elders and Those Who Love Them. She is also the daughter of a victim of Alzheimer's disease. Visit the author's web site at http://www.thebestisyet.net.