Elder care can be expensive and time-consuming, which is why so many people try to figure out ways to lower those costs. If you’re caring for an aging loved one, it’s important that you take all the necessary precautions to keep them safe, healthy, and happy.
In this article Faivish Pewzner, COO of The Americare Companies (the leader in quality home healthcare) will look at some tips you can use to protect your self and help care for your elderly family member. There are a lot of different things you need to think about when it comes to taking care of an elderly parent or grandparent. From their medical needs to their social activities and day-to-day living arrangements, elder care can be very demanding on both you and the person you’re looking after. There are so many variables involved in elder care that it’s almost impossible to give a simple solution as to how much it will cost. However, if you pay attention to some of the following ideas and concerns, you should find that lowering your costs is much easier than you think.
Plan Ahead for Care Costs
As we mentioned above, it is virtually impossible to give a specific percentage of how much elder care will cost. Faivish Pewzner indicates that the only way to know is to experience it. This means that you’ll need to get a good sense of what your family member is expecting to receive and what care facilities will be involved. The best way to do this is to have a conversation with your loved one right away. Ask them what they anticipate their costs will be and what they’re willing to pay. If they’re willing to save up some money, you can save up some money too! Create a care budget and budget for every expense. If you don’t have a budget, you might be surprised to find out how much is really being spent. Once you know what your loved one’s care costs will be, you can start thinking about how to save. In fact, you should be thinking about it from day one. Ask yourself: how much do I want to save to help pay for my loved one’s care? What can I cut from my budget? What are other ways I can save money? Make a plan on day one to start setting aside money for elder care. It’s a good idea to start small, you’ll be surprised at how much you can save.
Start a Repayment Plan ASAP
If you’re caring for an elderly parent or grandparent, you’ll need to start making some long-term plans. While it’s not a given that your loved one will need long-term care in the future, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. The sooner you begin to think about how to prepare for future costs, the better. According to Faivish Pewzner, the first thing you’ll want to do is start taking care of some of your loved one’s needs yourself. This can be as simple as picking up your loved one’s prescriptions or getting them their food. Pick a few small things to get involved in yourself, then start asking your loved one what they need. If they have any specific needs, such as medication or help getting around their house, let them know. Start paying for small things as a way of getting used to the idea that you’ll be taking care of them in the future. Keep doing this until it becomes second nature.
Proper Diet is Key
Eating well is one of the most important things you can do for your loved one in terms of care costs. Faivish Pewzner indicates that poor diet can lead to all kinds of health issues, including diabetes and heart disease. Make sure your loved one is getting enough nutrients and vitamins each day. This can be as easy as getting them a simple meal each day or as involved as getting them a fresh fruit or vegetable every day. This will go a long way towards keeping them well and protecting their health. Make sure they are eating a balanced diet that is rich in specific nutrients, including iron, calcium, and vitamin D. Make sure they are drinking enough water so that they are not getting dehydrated.
Get a Professional Checkup Often
As you care for your loved one, it’s important to remember that you are also caring for yourself. If you don’t get checked out by a doctor, you could end up with a serious health issue that will require expensive treatment. One of the best things you can do to protect yourself is to get your blood pressure checked, your cholesterol checked, and your blood sugar checked by a doctor. You should see your doctor every year or so to make sure that you are doing okay and that you are as healthy as you can be. It’s also important to get physical while you’re healthy so that they can check you for any issues that might crop up as you age, such as heart disease and cancer. This is especially important if you are caring for an elderly loved one. Faivish Pewzner and his team of Americare offer professional elderly care services.
Conclusion
Elder care can be expensive and time-consuming, which is why so many people try to figure out ways to lower those costs. In this article Faivish Pewzner has shared some tips you can use to protect yourself and help care for your elderly family member.