Alzheimer's Disease Caregivers - Education Modules
Financial Issues When Caring for a Person with AD:
A Male Perspective
Author: Cheryl E. Gies, DPN, APRN, CNP
In these tough economic times, financial issues can be sources of stress for many
men. Traditionally, men have held a leadership role in the family as the "provider",
responsible for having a job and earning wages that meet the needs of the family.
Careful financial planning is an important part of being a good provider.
Adequate finances can become a serious issue for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's
disease (AD). As one gentleman related, "Right now finances are not an issue. I fear
they may be in the future". You too may have already faced unexpected expenses and
job issues related to caregiving and now have concerns about what financial problems
you may face in the future. AD caregiving is not limited to days or weeks; but, is
a commitment that is measured in years. The costs of providing care and additional
services can become substantial as your loved one's mental and physical state worsens
over time.
This educational module is designed to help you think about some financial issues
that men worry about and offer suggestions and resources to help you plan for the
future.
Learning Objectives:
Using this module will help you to:
- Recognize common financial issues for male caregivers.
- Identify financial resources for short and long term solutions.
Presenter:
Chris Cooper, MSFS, CFP®, EA
Listen to the presentation
Presentation Notes:
Web Links:
Caregiver Issues:
- Compassionate Allowances (Social Administration)
- Put a Plan in Place to Deal with Alzheimer’s
- When Is It Time to Consider Moving a Family Member with Memory Impairment? (Chris
Cooper Company)
Care Receiver Issues:
- Financial Matters (Alzheimer's Association) Click on: "Identify ways to cover costs", "Understand legal matters" and "Find assistance in your area"
- Help with Medical and Drug Costs (Medicare)
- Planning for Long Term Care
- Representative Payee Program (Social Security Administration)
Other Resources:
- Click on this link:Financial Tips for Family Caregivers (video)
- Helping Older Relatives Articulate Their Long-Term Care Wishes (PDF)
- How to Get Paid for Being a Family Caregiver (PDF)
- Men as Caregivers (Prometheus Books)
- More Men Take the Lead Role in Caring for Elderly Parents (PDF)
- Review Financial and Home Resources (PDF)
- Tips for the Working Caregiver (PDF)
References:
Baker, K.L. & Robertson, N. (2008). Coping with caring for someone with dementia: Review the literature about men.Aging & Mental Health,12(4), 413-422.
Calasanti, T. & King, N. (2007). Taking "women's work" "like a man": Husbands' experiences of care work. The Gerontologist, 47(4), 516-527.
Hayes, J., Zimmerman, M.K. & Boylstein, C. (2010). Responding to symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease: Husbands, wives,and the gendered dynamics of recognition and disclosure. Qualitative Health Research, 20(8), 1101-1115.
Kramer, B.J. & Thompson, E.H. (2005). Men as Caregivers. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books
Nichols, L.O., Martindale-Adams, J., Greene, W.A., Burns, R., Graney, M.J. & Lummus, A. (2006). Dementia caregivers’most pressing concerns. Clinical Gerontologist, 32, 1-14.
Pinquart, M., & Sorensen, S. (2006). Gender differences in caregiver stressors, social resources, and health: An updated meta-analysis. Journal of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences & Social Sciences, 61B(1), 33-45.