1. Every Day – Helpful Tips on Caring for Aging Parents -
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A vital step to take when planning the healthcare of aging parents is just that…to plan
for it. By preparing financially and emotionally for this stage of your parent’s life, when
they may need home health care or senior care of some kind, you will find that you face
it with a lot less stress.
Oh, you will still be tired at the end of the day and you will have given up time that you
could have been working on your own projects, but your wallet won’t be empty of all
its contents. That brings peace of mind.
Here are some helpful tips for those preparing to care for aging parents:
•Talk about your parents’ finances with them now. You really need to be in the know
about their finances and their resources. Do they have medical, disability and/or long
term care insurance? Find out what each policy covers.
•Compile a list of important information so you will have access to your parents’ bank
account and other financial information when is necessary. Create a list of all
accounts and phone numbers, even computer login names and passwords. Get
the name and number of their doctor. Get their financial institution account number,
phone and address. Get the location of legal documents, safe deposit box location and
keys, etc…
•To keep drug and other medical supplies costs down it may be as simple as moving
from a brand name to a generic prescription or ordering prescriptions by mail.
•Contact other family members and neighbors. Find out who is available to help with
the care of your elderly parents. What costs would you face? At what level can each
person contribute to their care?
•You may not have need of assisted living or home health care now but it’s a good idea
to look into the cost. You may want to have your parent move in with you at some
point. Would you need to make any modifications to your home such as adding another
bedroom or wheelchair access?
•Your parents may qualify for government assistance or services. Get information at
their website: www.Govbenefits.gov Also, contact your city and state Area Agency on
Aging. They can point you to local elder programs and services.

2. • may be tempted to quit working to take care of your elderly parent but how hard will
it be for you to re-enter the work force? You may lose benefits such as your own health
insurance. Does your employer have a family leave policy that you could take
advantage of so you can keep your job? You need to prepare for your own retirement.
•The Federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA)allows a covered employee
up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to provide care for a family member with a serious
health condition. Let the Human Resources department at your job know about your
situation at home so that you will be able to benefit from this legal protection and be
able to design a plan that fits with your company’s policies.