Caregivers and Seniors Dilemma - Medicine, Food or Gasoline?

Caregivers and care-receivers can face a multiple choice in the current economy - medicine, gasoline, or food? Solving the problem can be like trying to find one's way through a maze and running into a wall at every turn. Forget about trying to hang on to luxuries. Many are trying to decide whether they can afford their prescription, a trip across town to a medical provider, or enough food for a nutritious diet. Below are some places to look for help on the internet.

1. FOOD RESOURCES: At the website for FRAC, the Food Research and Action Center, "Fighting Hunger In America" there are resources to help. A portion of the website is dedicated to the elderly, and has information about programs you can turn to for assistance.

Seniors Centers across the United States often have a commodities program (groceries), a brown bag program, and a senior nutrition program (hot lunches served or delivered, donation optional).

2. GASOLINE PRICE RESOURCES: If you visit gasbuddy.com you can type in your location and find the cheapest gas.

3. MEDICAL AND MEDICINE RESOURCES: The Medicare website offers explanations about prescription plans, bridging the coverage gap, and a long term care planning tool. AARP offers many resources and articles. Senior-health-insurance is a website that provides a service of helping seniors compare health insurance plans. Seniors centers often have programs to provide health insurance counseling and advice, low cost health screening and free or low cost seminars. ReverseHelpline has a variety of information and warnings about reverse mortgages.

"How to Say It With Seniors: Closing the Communication Gap with Our Elders" by David Solie

At Aging Parents Insights , author, speaker and educator David Solie recently discussed "what to do about aging parents who have little or no savings but refused to discuss any aspect of their 'money issue'." He explains that to elders the lack of money means a lack of control, and offers strategies for adult children who are dealing with this type of situation.

In another article on his website titled "Reframing and Signaling: Communicating Tough Choices to Aging Parents" David Solie gives concrete, detailed suggestions for this. I especially like the part where he says to "The goal is to signal that you get it." In communication skills classes I took in college we were taught how important it is to the speaker for the listener to acknowledge that you grasp the situation. If the speaker does not feel the listener clearly understands the situation the speaker may keep repeating the message hoping that it will get through, until you get it.

He also discussed the "loss of control" that elder's feel in their lives, healthwise and financially, how to deal with it, and how to find the best possible solutions. He explained loss of control is also related to elders goal of concern over leaving a "legacy." I found this to be very helpful. Even we are familiar already with these ideas, it helps to have a review of them before we make plans to discuss finances with elders.

Things You Might Not Know About Reverse Mortgages

These days some seniors say they seem to receive up to fifteen pieces of mail a day advertising reverse mortgages. It's true the ads are everywhere. I'm not on the market for a reverse mortgage, but today I learned some new information when I talked to a Reverse Mortgage Consultant at a Workshop at the Central Coast Seniors Center, Oceano, California.

Suzie Smith, of the Pismo Beach area Wells Fargo, provided statistics showing the leap in the number of reverse mortgages today compared to 5, 10 or 15 years ago. With the aging of the population, and with needs for long-term care in the home or in a facility, medical bills, or other needs, the number of reverse mortgages will continue to climb.

Funds from a reverse mortgage can be used for any expenditure, including food, paying off bills, or taking a long-dreamed-of vacation before getting any older. Sometimes someone uses the money to buy a second home.

A reverse mortgage can be refinanced again later, providing it is worthwhile and not just "churning".

For every reverse mortgage it is a requirement to see an outside mortgage counselor. This third party independent counselor can provide seniors with guidance.

The FHA sets lending limits for each county, with the higher limits being in the most expensive counties. If the property has a mortgage on it, the reverse mortgage can pay that off in addition to providing funds for other expenses.

To get a reverse mortgage someone must be 62 years old, and live in the house as a primary residence.