Finance

As anyone who cares for an elderly relative can attest to, growing old is expensive. We’ve put together some practical advice on finances, money, insurance and legal issues to serve as a useful resource for you and your loved one. These articles will help you plan for the future, and pay for the expenses associated with growing old.

General Finance

Organizing Your Finances
Medical treatment and caregiving can be costly, which makes good financial planning all the more necessary. Continue reading for tips that make the process easier.
Finding Benefits and Services
Acquaint yourself with programs that can pay directly for certain caregiving needs, prescription medications and health care facilities.
Understanding Reverse Mortgages: The Pros and Cons
A financial option for seniors that is becoming increasingly popular is to use the equity from their home to increase their cash flow.
Social Security: A Primer
Social Security reaches almost every family, and at some point will touch the lives of nearly all Americans. Do you understand the program, and what your loved is entitled to? This article can help.
Asset Protection for the Caregiver and the Elderly
Having the foresight to make arrangements for your own long-term care saves the family both emotional and financial distress.

Insurance

Managing Insurance Policies
Insurance policies are often billed as a safety net, but it's important to carefully assess what the policies actually offer and where there are holes.
What You Should Know About Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance may be worthwhile if the premiums are affordable and the buyer has significant assets to protect.
Navigating the Medicaid and Medicare Maze
Medicaid and Medicare can be a godsend for the elderly, but the rules are confusing. Following is some basic information about each program.
An Overview of Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
If your loved one is on Medicare and wants prescription drug coverage, there are two plans to choose from. Find out how to evaluate which is best for your loved one.
Medicare: Protecting Your Loved One's Interests
Thus far, Medicare Part D has had its share of surprises and glitches. Following these tips may help you avoid pitfalls and resolve any problems that crop up.
How to Select a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
There are many factors to consider when selecting a Medicare prescription drug plan, including your loved one's geographic location, premiums paid, level of coverage and more.

Legal

What is a Durable Power of Attorney and Why Do Caregivers Need One?
A durable power of attorney enables the caregiver to handle specific legal and financial responsibilities on behalf of the elderly person.
Advance Care Directives
Advance care directives help ensure your voice is heard in the event that you, or the person you care for, become incapacitated and are unable to make decisions or let your wishes be known.
Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders
Complex medical procedures have the ability to keep people alive longer than they could naturally expect to live, but with a greatly reduced quality of life.
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Answers from our Experts

Is there an ideal time off (respite) for caregivers that I can show my sisters to help my case for getting time off?

I have never seen an official “Required Respite Time” statistic because of course there are so many factors and it’s very individual, but I would boil the need for respite down to this: As often as needed!

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