Frugal living tips for seniors

The demands of elder care planning

Siblings are often faced with the task of figuring out the best arrangements for the changing needs of elderly parents. Family members are on the front line of managing elder care. Showing care, concern, and empathy are essential for working through the issues.

The planning effort can be a very time consuming and stressful effort. Busy schedules are interrupted and lives impacted. There may be a need to change our thinking about what is important. Adjustments need to be made to manage this new area.Cost will be a major factor. Applying for low income senior housing may be a necessary but time consuming step. Contact various agencies to see what financial aid is available to suppliment current resources. Keeping ballooning expenses under control is no easy feat.

These are some of the frugal living tips that will set the foundation for making this difficult choice:

• Improve communication with parents.
• Establish a unity among loved ones or caregivers.
• Meet with other family members to understand all tasks.
• Readjust lifestyle of family members.
• Reserve increased time for planning and caregiving.
• Reach out for financial assistance.

Finding out about low income or assisted living concepts and options

There are many alternatives with independent living aids at various levels. The following some of the general options:

Senior Centers

Care Provided at Home

This is the most perferrable option for most seniors. The desire is to stay single as long as possible. There are a number of issues to consider. The elderly person's house should be safe, free from hazards. The neighborhood should be safe. The senior should be able manage meals and do self care for most of their personal needs. They should be able to manage financials.

The older adult can manage the cost or qualifies for Medicaid or other charitable dollars. They also should have the means to get to and from medical appointments, shopping, and errands.

Some of the above issues may be a problem for the senior. This option can still be viable if there is financial means for in home help.

Senior retirement community or apartments

These communities are for those who want a lifestyle filled with recreational, educational and social activities with other seniors. Residents must be able to live on their own, but want the security and conveniences of community living. This may be the best avenue for senior independent living.

Some offer organized social and recreational programs. Swimming pools/spas, exercise facilities, Clubhouse or a Library may be available. Plans may include housekeeping, laundry, van or scheduled transportation.

There may be age requirements. Cost Prices are generally dependent upon the market. Subsidized senior apartments cater to seniors with limited incomes.

Care Health care is not provided, but many communities will allow you to pay for a home health aide or nurse to come into your apartment to assist you with medicines and personal care.

An appartment may be the best option for affordable senior housing. Cheap housing does not mean cheap elder care however.

Assisted living facilities

Assisted Living provides residential housing along with supportive services and healthcare. This is intended to emphasize independence. Skilled nursing care is not offered. The same features may be available as independent living communities.

Personal care is the one major advantage in this catagory. It supports individuals who need help with activities of daily living, but does not provide the skilled medical care provided in a nursing home. Most include services such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and other daily activities.

Assisted living units may also be part of a larger complex that includes nursing home care. The names of these types of facilities include Board and Care, Residential Care Facilities, Community Based Retirement Facilities, Personal Care, Adult Living Facilities, Adult Foster Care, and medication management.

Costs depend on services and accommodations offered. Most Assisted Living Communities accept private pay only; however, in some states there is assistance with payment. Some long-term care insurance policies may cover Assisted Living.

Nursing Homes

Skilled Nursing Facilities are for seniors who need 24-hour nursing care. They provide many of the same residential components of other senior care options including room and board, personal care, protection supervision, and may offer other types of therapy. An onsite medical staff differentiates them from other types of senior housing. Nursing care is provided by RN's and nurses aides 24 hours a day.

Services include room, housekeeping and linen service, medically planned meals & snacks, activity director, social worker, etc. An on-call physician and other special services may cost extra. The level of care can be individualized depending on safety and health conditions. The cost is determined based skills required and intensity of care. Often families purchase long-term care insurance in anticipation of the cost.

There are many variations that could be considered. This process will need to be repeated as medical conditions change.

Employing frugal living tips is a good first step for selecting the best housing choices for senior parents. How to budget for this is always a challenge. Saving money is on everyone's mind in today's economy. Looking at simple living arrangements is a good starting point.

Other frugal living tips...

Leaving Solutions for care | Returning to Elder Care

monitoring symptoms | Solutions for care | Senior Acceptance | Supporting caregivers |Conflict Resolution

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