Coping with Caregiver Costs

By Dustin Schofield

More Americans are facing rising caregiver costs. The financial challenge of caring for an aging parent can also create caregiver stress. Don’t allow caring for an aging parent or spouse to become a crisis.

Nearly 10 million adults over the age of 50 provide care or financial support for aging parents. Their ranks have swelled significantly over the last decade and will continue to grow, according to a study on caregivers by MetLife.*

The cost of providing care for a loved one – whether an ailing spouse or elderly parent – can be daunting. Beyond medical expenses, such as inhouse or nursing home care, it can also include lost income due to the large time commitment.

The MetLife study estimates caregiver responsibilities for the average person, age 50 and older, can result in a total of more than $300,000 in lost wages and benefits.

There is some good news. There may be ways to provide for an aging parent or loved one without jeopardizing your finances now or in the future. Here are some strategies to consider:

Talk to Your Employer

Caring for a family member can be a 24-hour-a-day responsibility. The demands of a full-time job can make taking care of an aging parent or spouse difficult. Discussing the situation with your employer as soon as possible may help create a better position for yourself.

For example, you may be able to negotiate flexible work hours that allow you to take time away for doctor appointments. Your employer may also be willing to allow telecommuting options. Working from home might allow you to stay productive while meeting the needs of your ailing spouse or parent.

Review Your Parent’s Finances

While your parent is still healthy, sit down to discuss his or her financial situation. Talk about everything from retirement savings and monthly Social Security benefits to current health care premiums and housing costs.

These discussions can give you a better handle on just how much financial support you may be expected to provide.

Your financial advisor can help you weigh your options, and may be able to serve as a neutral third party during conversations with your parent about financial matters.

Your parent’s financial situation may even make him or her eligible for certain benefits. One example is income. If your parent’s annual income is relatively low, you may be able to claim him or her as a dependent on your tax return. This may defray the cost of care. Talk with your tax advisor before doing this to see if your situation qualifies.

Make sure your parent has an up-to-date estate plan. Be sure to review financial powers of attorney and health care proxies. You should understand what is included in these documents. Is an appropriate person named who has the authority to make critical financial or health care decisions if your parent becomes incapacitated?

These meetings should make your parent’s wishes clear.

Get (Free) Help

If your parent lives with you and needs periodic care during the day, hiring an inhome nurse can be expensive. It is likely not covered by Medicare.

Check on alternatives within the community. Many religious groups and local social service agencies provide free or lowcost care or companionship for elderly adults. These can help reduce your out-of-pocket caregiver costs.

Also check with your family. Other members may be able to participate in your loved one’s care and provide scheduled breaks for the primary caregivers.

To avoid surprises and reduce stress, talk to your loved ones about their wishes well in advance. Discuss what will happen when they reach the age they will need additional help caring for themselves.

* The MetLife Study of Caregiving Costs to Working Caregivers, June 2011

Wells Fargo Advisors does not render tax or legal advice. This article was written by Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Dustin Schofield / Vice President of The Schofield Group Investment Management in St. George at 435-674-3601 or www.theschofieldgroup.com Disclosures: Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. [The Schofield Group Investment Management] is a separate entity from WFAFN. ©2014 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 0614-02113 [94112-v1] 07/1