Helping older family members with changing care needs as they age

Rosalyn Carter once said, "There are only four kinds of people in the world ? those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers." With people living longer, more people will have to deal with caregiving than ever before.A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicated 65-year-olds face at least a 40 percent chance of entering a nursing home. This can be a huge cost that is not covered by Medicare.There are several levels of care that are less intense than living in a nursing home. Sometimes a home can be modified to accommodate changing needs. Maybe counter tops can be lowered, ramps or a walk-in shower installed. All of these things cost money. Sometimes an aging parent will move in with a child. This may provide help at a lower cost.There are facilities that provide help at a lower cost. Adult daycare provides assistance while the child is at work. Facilities that provide care without needing intense medical assistance are much cheaper than nursing homes.In determining if a change in living conditions is required, let's look at some of the telltale signs that you might observe. Maybe someone is getting confused about their medication. They are forgetting to get refills or not taking the proper medicine at the right time.Sometimes you may notice a big difference in the refrigerator or kitchen cupboards. Are they fuller or emptier than is normally the case? Is food becoming outdated or spoiled? Is the overall upkeep of the home different than normal. Is there a decline in personal hygiene? Sometimes people begin to get confused when paying bills or managing their checkbook. Seniors can become more vulnerable to financial fraud as they age. Are they spending money differently or buying things that they do not need.It is very important to stress to older family members how critical it is to protect their Social Security number. Banks and the government already know your SS number. Seniors should never give their SS number to anyone who calls them. If the senior made the call, they may have to give it to prove their identity. Many identification frauds are aimed at seniors. My 86-year-old mother does not respond to anything she receives in the mail that she doesn't recognize before asking me or my sister if she needs to take action.One of the most difficult decisions that we face with seniors is if they should still be driving. Losing this privilege means a loss of freedom and independence. Problems with driving are aggravated by loss of vision, hearing and motor reflexes. Chronic illness and accidents further erode driving skills. An online resource to help you with this discussion is Senior Driving (http://dev.seniordriving.aaa.com).Be aware and help older family members and friends recognize their changing needs and be available to help them find a solution.Gary Boatman is a Monessen-based certified financial planner and author of "Your Financial Compass: Safe passage through the turbulent waters of taxes, income planning and market volatility."To submit columns on financial planning or investing, contact business editor Michael Bradwell at mbradwell@observer-reporter.com.