A Shift in Care

New Hampshire is one of the first states that acts as a bellweather every four years as we ready ourselves for presidential elections. They may also be the leader and state that the nation looks to when it comes to senior care. The number of people 85 and older is among the fastest growing population in the state of New Hampshire and with this growth comes an increase in the number of adult children facing decisions about how to care for their aging parents who can no longer care of themselves. More caregiving children are looking towards options such as home health aides and adult day care programs to provide health and social services for their parents during the day as they maintain their position in the work place.

This shift to day services is favored by the senior population. According to a release by the New Hampshire branch of the AARP, 84% of retired people surveyed in the state support a shift to state funding from nursing homes to home and community based services. These programs promote socialization as a major part of their curriculum through activities such as arts and crafts and card games with new friends. Some programs even provide transportation, health services and meals.

In comparison to the fees of a nursing or assisted living facility, the price of adult day care or an at home health aide is cost effective for many families. It allows the caregiver the chance to maintain their daily lifestyle and helps the senior maintain some level of independence. With our troubling economic times, a shift in how care is provided could again follow New Hampshire's lead.

Cutting Costs

Retirement savings are being decimated. Medical costs are skyrocketing. The generation caring for their parents and also for their own children is being overwhelmed with no immediate help in site. According to a 2007 survey by the National Alliance for Caregiving and Evercare, the average cost for day to day expenses like food and doctor's visits for an elderly parent is $5,500 per year. Here are five tips from SmartMoney on how to manage the costs of caring for an elderly loved one.

1. Negotiate - It never hurts to ask, especially when dealing with a nursing or assited living facility that is not filled to capacity.

2. Offer to share a room - Some nursing facilities set aside a number of "shared" rooms that are designed for lower income seniors.

3. Hire a geriatric care manager - They can help with everything from asssessing your parent's long term care needs to mediating family conflicts over care decisions.

4. Adult Day Care - This is often more affordable than private, in-home caregiver fees and allows you to still be active at work and valuable to your employer.

5. Hire a part-time caretaker - For someone who does not require full time care, ask a neighbor, church acquaitance or trusted friend to check on your parent a couple of times a day. This also promotes independence if the senior is able.