Caring for aging relatives is a major responsibility that can catch families off guard. Not only do you have to juggle caretaking responsibilities, but you also must adjust your finances to cover the costs associated with providing quality care. The costs themselves create a burden and many costs are hard to budget and plan for. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the reasons to start reconsidering finances when caring for seniors, how to "retool" a budget towards caretaking services and supplies, and how to understand the costs of caregiving.
Reconsidering Finances When Caring for Seniors
When the responsibility of caring for a senior loved one appears, it's important to reconsider your finances and retool your budget. From medical costs to home modifications, the cost of providing quality care can add up quickly. Costs can quickly grow and compound, so it is important to prepare and make changes early.
As your loved one's care needs grow, so too will your expenses. Depending on the situation, you may need to hire additional help, purchase medical devices, or purchase safety equipment. If you're providing care for your relative yourself, you may find your own working situation will also be affected. This can lead to additional financial strain. Through it all, you'll have to work to find cost-effective care options that also preserve the quality of life.
Understanding the Costs of Caregiving
Caregiving expenses come from a variety of sources and have different potential solutions.
Medication
Medication costs can vary depending on the types of medication a senior needs, as well as the dosage. The cost of medication can add up quickly. However, your loved one may have access to insurance or government programs to offset these costs.
Medical Devices
Depending on your relative's needs, you may need to purchase medical devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen tanks, and other adaptive equipment. Some of these may be covered by insurance, but others may not be.
Safety Equipment
Safety is a priority for any aging relative. You may need to purchase safety equipment to reduce the risk of injury and make sure a living space is properly set up for a senior citizen.
Transportation Services
Transportation services can be invaluable for aging relatives who are unable to drive. Services such as medical transportation, paratransit, elderly taxi, and ridesharing are available in many areas, but for a cost.
How to "Retool" a Budget for Caretaking
The first step in "retooling" your budget is to get a clear picture of your current financial situation. This means taking a hard look at your expenses versus your income and your debt obligations. Once you have a better understanding of your financial situation, the next step is to seek out sources of financial assistance. This could include government programs available to your loved one that they may need help accessing themselves.
Once you've identified potential sources of financial assistance, it's time to create a budget specifically for caregiving. This could include expenses related to in-home care services, medical devices, and other caretaking supplies. To ensure your budget is reasonable and attainable, try using financial planning tools such as budget worksheets, budget tracking software, and online calculators.
Senior Helpers Offers Cost-Effective Care Services
Caring for senior loved ones is an incredibly important responsibility. However, it can be a financial strain on the entire family. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ensure your budget is "retooled" towards caretaking services and supplies.
For help with high-quality care services within a budget, Senior Helpers Brevard County can help. Our professional caregivers offer in-home support to seniors in and around the Titusville, Orlando, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, and Rockledge areas. Contact us today to learn more.