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Every day when I open my mailbox, I find questions from caregivers wanting to know how to afford elder care.
Whether you're making arrangements for your elderly parents or choosing your own care plan, these helpful resources will give you the practical advice and information you need to make the right decisions:
BOOKS
"The Complete Eldercare Planner" by Joy Loverde: The most complete resource between two covers, this book tells where to start, which questions to ask and how to find help.
"Long-Term Care: How to Plan & Pay for It" by Attorney Joseph L. Matthews: This reader-friendly book offers straight-talking information on choosing and paying for care, plus information on Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care insurance.
"They're Your Parents, Too!: How Siblings Can Survive Their Parents' Aging Without Driving Each Other Crazy" by Francine Russo: Indispensable for anyone who has siblings and aging parents. Includes practical advice on many of topics.
WEBSITES
ElderCare.gov is a public service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which connects older Americans and their caregivers with information on senior services in their area. Or call 800-677-1116.
NAELA.org gets you to the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, where
NCOA.org is the National Council on Aging's site. The NCOA is a nonprofit advocacy group that works with thousands of organizations to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health and live independently. It also offers an excellent free booklet, "Use Your Home to Stay at Home," that gives an overview of reverse mortgages.
Medicare.gov is the single best place to learn all about Medicare. Includes up-to-the-minute changes as well as help with benefits eligibility and enrollment. Or call 800-633-4227.
LongTermCare.gov is a clearinghouse for long-term care presented by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
OTHER
To find specific details about your state's Medicaid program, search online with the name of your state plus the word "Medicaid." For general information, go to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website at CMS.gov.
The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) has volunteer counselors available free of charge to assist Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers with Medicare, prescription drugs, long-term care and related issues. There is no dedicated website, so search online with the name of your state plus "senior health insurance program." Or look in your phone directory under "state government."
Mary Hunt is the founder of Debt ProofLiving.com. Write to her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com or Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2099, Cypress, CA 90630.
