Caregiving for an aging parent may stretch the budget as well as the caregiver's endurance -- that is, if you aren’t aware of scores of federal, state and even local government programs.
Access to assistance is as close as your computer, and, in most cases, you can apply online. Start by accessing two sites:
www.Govbenefits.gov - Gather up all the information you can on your elderly parent’s health, disability, income, wealth (as in property owned), whether a military veteran, education level and more. Access this site and answer every question that you can. Then, push the button and, within minutes, the site will respond with a list, details and access information for many, even scores, of beneficial government programs, supplements and/or services.
www.Benefitscheckup.org - This non-profit site will ask many of the same questions but may report added programs, details and contacts.
Here is a guide to the top 10 programs everyone who is caring for an aging parent should know about.