Real Life Real Faith Women Walking By Faith May/June 2016 | Page 22

• Your employer may have special assistance programs and flexible rules for caregivers. Check what is available 6• You may also want to monitor the loved one’s activity on social media. Scams are common, and the elderly are and use the assistance if you need it. 3. Find out about your loved one’s finances. As often targets online. your loved ones age, they may have trouble keeping track of their finances. Be aware of the pensions, benefits, and savings accounts that they own. They can use this money to help take care of themselves. • Aging can affect your family member’s ability to pay their bills. You can help by taking over some of the 6. Consider how much you can help. Check on public benefits. Is your loved one receiving the maximum amount of Social Security and other benefits? this affect your personal finances and your family? It’s tempting to help in any way you can, but it’s important to consider all of the financial aspects. • Caregivers are often stuck paying family member’s medical bills, groceries, housing expenses, and other bills. • Although you can try to continue working while you’re a caregiver, you may still run into emergencies that call you away from work. • Public benefits can help you handle the expenses of you afford to be a full-time caregiver for a family member? How will responsibilities of maintaining their home and lifestyle. 4. Can Can you handle missed work days and the consequences of these emergencies? caregiving. Your loved one may qualify for federal, local, or state benefits. Contact your local agencies for the elderly to see what’s available. It’s important to understand the responsibilities that come with taking care of an aging family member. Caregivers 5. Monitor your family member’s accounts and financial activities. Aging can make people vulnerable to scams and other issues. who understand the financial consequences of their new roles can make wiser decisions. Preparing in advance will give you time to find benefits that are available to your loved ones and create a plan that works for both of you. • As a caregiver, your responsibilities extend beyond making sure your family member is eating healthy food and taking medication. Stay aware of their financial activities and monitor every account. Latasha Kinnard is the CEO and Chief Coach at Start Young Financial Group where she helps young professionals and business owners increase financial productivity. Twitter: @Latasha_Kinnard Email: [email protected] WOMEN WALKING BY FAITH MAGAZINE | 22 www.realliferealfaithmagazine.com