Overcoming Issues With Aging Parents When Considering Senior Care Costs

Many of today’s seniors were raised in the Great Depression. They lived through a period when the nation was pinching pennies and cutting corners. Frugality was ingrained in many of them while very young and often remains firmly in place for life. 

So, what exactly happens when a senior loved one is in need of care in the home, has the financial ability to pay for the care, but will not spend money on senior care costs? 

First, empathize. Understand that the person’s point of view is valid and based on past life experiences. If the older adult seems to be resistant to the notion of spending money for the care they need, remind yourself of the emotions behind the behaviors. An added layer of difficulty might be in simply accepting the need for care altogether, something which is beyond mere frugality.

Spend some time shopping with the senior. Costs were much different years ago than they are today, for everything from a gallon of milk to a new car. In the event the senior hasn’t had the opportunity to go shopping lately, go online to show them current pricing for items in general. Or check out this inflation calculator that shows you the value of $100 between one year and another. (For instance, $100 in 1950 is the equivalent of $1,166.59 today!) This can help if a senior is experiencing “sticker shock” at the cost for care services.

Plan ample time for discussions. The choice to accept home care services is a life-altering one that frequently requires several conversations. Engage in discussions with a frugal senior about the cost-cutting measures they have proudly followed through the years. Utilize these strengths to compromise if needed on covering the cost for care needs. For instance, it might be that rather than full-time care, the senior would accept a couple of hours of care each week for assistance with necessary tasks at home. After the person is comfortable with their caregiver and sees what a positive change home care makes, they may be more amenable to increasing services.

Additionally, it might be helpful to enlist the help of a third party – a person the older adult respects and trusts, such as their attorney, religious leader, primary care physician, or a close friend. Engaging in a discussion with this person concerning the advantages to be attained through a home care assistant often helps minimize any concerns about cost. 

When an older adult is ready to investigate Huntington Beach senior services, get in touch with CareWorks Health Services’ home care experts at (949) 859-4700. We will be happy to discuss options with you and help you discover the one that is most effective. For a full list of all of the communities where our home care services are available, please visit our Service Area page.