Living with your Elderly Relative: Financial and Physical Considerations
If you have an elderly relative who may be unable to look after themselves without assistance, you may decide to take them into your home or live with them in their own home. If so, there will be a number of financial and physical considerations to take into account, and here are some of the most important.
General Costs: Decide Who Will Pay for What
If you decide to take your elderly relative into your home, you should decide upon who is going to pay for what. There will be extra expenses for food, clothing, transport, bills and more, and this could put a burden on your own budget. You will have to decide together who is going to pay for what.
For example, you may want to split the costs, or your relative may want to make a regular contribution or take care of some of the bills on their own. What you decide upon is up to you, but just make sure it is something you discuss.
Adaptations to Your Home
You may have to adapt your own home (or their home if you move in with them), especially if they are having difficulty getting around, bathing and cooking. There are devices that can help, including stair lifts, grab bars and various other mobility aids. However, some of these could involve a large investment. Carry out an assessment of your home and work out what you need and how much you can afford.
Getting Financial Support
You may want to apply for a carer’s assessment from your local council. This will identify the help that you need to provide proper care to your relative. You may even be able to claim Carer’s Allowance if you are caring for your relative for 35 hours a week or more.
Do You Want Professional Assistance?
If you are working as a carer part-time or full-time, you may want some professional help. This does not mean you need full-time care, and instead you may simply want a few hours a week to yourself, which can give you some time off and help you to provide a better level of care. At Comfort Keepers, we provide a respite care service for this exact purpose, so let us know if you want to discuss your options.
Think Over Your Options Carefully
Always think through the changes that you will have to make when you live with an elderly relative. In addition, ask yourself whether this is really the best option. Perhaps a care worker could visit to help with various tasks instead? If you are unsure of your options, we are happy to discuss your situation and to answer any questions you have.
