Pre-Planning a Plus

In terms of caregiving, we are often thrust into a situation that is going to change things for our families logistically, financially and emotionally. We have to keep in mind to react to our new situation logically. The key to this is to research all available elder care options before making a hasty decision that will affect both our lives and the lives of our loved ones. There are several different types of elder care facilities that are available and some factors to look at when making your decision include:

• What does each facility have to offer?
• How much do the facilities cost?
• How will these costs increase based on level of care needed by your parent or loved one?
• How does each facility measure up in terms of quality of care?
• What option is going to work best for one or both of your parents?

But why should the burden be left on you to make these decisions? Sitting down with your parents or loved ones to discuss and pre-plan what methods will be used if/when the time for caregiving comes will alleviate stress for both them and for you. This should be a process and not a single discussion that requires a definitive outcome. Let your parents be involved as much as possible for it is their every day lives that are being discussed. Here are some topics to think about during these talks.

• Your parent(s) health and finances
• Needs / wants for socialization
• Risk and value of moving versus "aging in place"
• Size and style of facilities to suit your parents needs (smaller care homes, residential communities for the elderly, assisted living and continued care retirement communities)

Planning and preparedness will help all involved with this emotional time. Having a plan of action in place will allow you to worry about things of more importance such as the health of your loved one and what you can do to continue to make them comfortable during these trying times.

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.