10.19.17

Investment Services Newsletter October | How to help an aging parent

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An elderly lady wearing glasses and a blue sweater smiling

Aging Senior Population
As the senior population continues to grow older, baby boomers are now facing difficult choices in how to care for their elderly parents.  Adult children have cause to worry since the cost of skilled elder care has skyrocketed in the past few years.

Increasing Price for Care
The monthly cost of a private nursing home room is $7,698, up 1.24 percent from 2015.  The cost of a semi-private room is up 2.27 percent to $6,844 per month.  Assisted living communities saw a slight increase in costs of .8 percent to $3,628 per month, according to the Genworth 2016 Cost of Care Survey.  As the cost of care continues to climb, many seniors simply do not have the resources to pay for their much needed care.  Providing care for elderly parents is increasingly becoming the responsibility of family members.

Unpaid Family Caregivers
According to an AARP study, unpaid family caregivers are providing an average of 25 hours of care a week.  In addition, the study found that the average length of care is nearing a staggering 4.3 years.  With many families now providing this type of care, addressing the issue with your older family members sooner rather than later could help keep the situation manageable.  It may also reduce stress and help focus everyone’s energy on the tasks at hand.

Simple Plan
The first step is to create a plan.  Your plan should include discussing your intentions with other family members and then deciding on the best options for your parents’ care.

Ultimately, the most important consideration is to understand the desire and preferences of the person to be cared for.  Being fully aware of their wishes may ease the transition if the responsibility of their care and assets are transferred over to you.  It is reassuring to know that if the situation does arise, and your parents are no longer able to care for themselves, there are several options available that will allow them to receive that extra care.

Care Options
Many families have made the decision to invite aging parents to move in with them.  The hiring of n-home care is another option available to elders who may require assistance with some daily activities but still want the independence of living at home.

Who Can Help Me?
With the countless number of choices it may be difficult to determine which is right for your situation.  It may be helpful to sit down with the investment professionals at your credit union.  They may be able to assist you in evaluating and explaining your options.

 

Please visit these sources for more information:
http://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/info-2014/ways-for-caregivers-to-nurture-themselves.html
https://www.genworth.com/about-us/industry-expertise/cost-of-care.html

*Insurance products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, Inc. (“CFS”).  Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are licensed through CFS. The credit union has contracted with CFS to make certain insurance products and services available to credit union members

*Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal.Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. Consumers Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members.

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