Caregiver Tip of the Month

If you are 65 or older or disabled, you may be eligible for the income tax credit for the elderly or the disabled. For low income taxpayers who are eligible, the tax credit could be worth as much as $7,500 depending on a variety of factors that include your filing status and your adjusted gross income before taking the credit.

In the most simple terms, you may be able to take the credit if your filing status is ...

Single, Head of household, or Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child, and your adjusted gross income is less than $17,500, OR the total of your nontaxable Social Security and other nontaxable pension(s) is less than $5,000.

Married filing a joint return and both spouses qualify, and your adjusted gross income is less than $25,000, OR the total of your nontaxable Social Security and other nontaxable pension(s) is less than $7,500.

Married filing a joint return and only one spouse qualifies, and your adjusted gross income is less than $20,000, OR the total of your nontaxable Social Security and other nontaxable pension(s) is less than $5,000.

Married filing a separate return and you did not live with your spouse at any time during the year, and your adjusted gross income is less than $12,500, OR the total of your nontaxable Social Security and other nontaxable pension(s) is less than $3,750.

This tax credit is explained in more detail in IRS Publication 524. To help you decide if you are eligible, click on "Are You a Qualified Individual?" To see more information online, click on IRS Publication 524. If you think you may be eligible, we strongly recommend that you consult with a trusted accountant or other financial professional to assist you.

Our visitors ask ...

Q. How much does in-home elder care cost?

A. The cost of in-home elder care varies widely, depending on where a patient lives and the type of home care needed. According to the March 2005 issue of Consumer Reports on Health, a home health aide costs from $10 to $15 per hour and a private-duty nurse costs from $20 to $30 per hour. Other studies estimate that the average cost nationwide for a homemaker/companion is $9 to $13 an hour, a home health aide averages nearly $20 an hour, and a Registered Nurse averages almost $36 an hour.

There is also another cost factor to consider. That is, for a variety of reasons, home health agencies usually bill for a four-hour minimum per visit. Thus, the actual cost for each visit of a home care professional will be 4 times greater than the hourly rates shown above.

Medicare may pay some home health care expenses under certain circumstances. For example, if your loved one has become weak or has difficulty walking, both of these conditions can be at least partially overcome with proper physical therapy. If your loved one's doctor agrees, ask the doctor for a written prescription for physical therapy. Medicare will pay for therapists to come to your home to provide the therapy IF it is provided by a Medicare-certified agency. (Important: Less than half of home health agencies are certified. Care at home can be very expensive if you have to pay for it out of your own pocket. Ask the agency if it is Medicare-certified BEFORE you hire them.) When the agency does its initial evaluation of your loved one's needs, they'll be able to tell you how long Medicare will pay for them for your loved one's therapy.

Daily Living Solutions

— products for seniors —

As we grow older, it often becomes difficult to use many everyday products because of arthritis and other conditions. If you or a loved one needs a little help – or a lot – we've selected a group of practical and affordable solutions from our affiliated merchants to help overcome those limitations.

Whether you are looking for yourself, or to help an elderly senior continue living in their own home, you'll find a wide variety of supplies and accessories – raised toilet seats, safety rails, incontinence supplies, large-handle eating utensils, pain relief, diabetic supplies, pill splitters and crushers, big-button telephones, canes, walkers, rollators, wheelchairs – and much more.

Everything is sorted into convenient categories in our Solutions for Seniors section.

Caregiving – Finding the money for care

A variety of resources can help pay for care at home. We discussed these resources in some detail beginning with the May 2004 issue of this newsletter and continuing each month through the August issue. To review these newsletters, simply click on Archives and select the issue you want to see.

Caregiver Tip #2

According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, more than 600,000 older Americans are treated each year in hospital emergency rooms for injuries at home. Many of these injuries result from hazards that are easy to overlook, but easy to fix. By taking some simple steps to correct them, many injuries could be prevented.

We have developed a detailed checklist to help you spot possible safety problems. When filling it out, check YES or NO to answer each question. Then go back over the list and take action to correct the items that need attention.

When evaluating your loved one's home, be sure to get his or her cooperation and agreement before installing equipment or changing surroundings. It usually helps to explain the reason for the changes before making them.

Our safety checklist is organized by areas in the home. However, some potential hazards are in more than just one area of a home. These are highlighted at the beginning of the checklist and short reminders are included in other sections; simply click on Home Safety Checklist.

Our visitors ask ...

Q. How can I find a reliable home care agency for my mother? I live in Iowa and she wants to stay in Florida even though she needs some help so that she can continue to live in her own home.

A. When a loved one needs assistance with normal activities of daily living (such as bathing, dressing, managing medications, preparing meals, etc.), it is often difficult for family members to know what kind of care is most appropriate and where to find reliable caregivers, particularly if their loved one lives more than a few hours away. Hiring a geriatric care manager may be your best solution.

A geriatric care manager is an elder care professional trained in geriatrics, social work, nursing or counseling. He or she will conduct a thorough patient assessment to identify needs and develop an appropriate plan of care for your loved one. They can also screen and supervise professional caregivers; coordinate medical care; pay bills; and act as a liaison with your family. And, they can screen and supervise other qualified people to help with housekeeping, laundry, shopping, maintenance and repairs; review applicable financial and legal issues and offer referrals to geriatric specialists; and assist with a change of living arrangements, if that is most appropriate.

To find a geriatric care manager near your loved one, visit the website of the National Association of Geriatric Care Managers. This is the major national association of health care professionals who oversee long-term care arrangements needed by older people. Their Web site includes a locator to help you find a nearby care manager (click on "Find a Care Manager" in their left-hand menu).

Recommended Reading and Videos

Many excellent books and videos can help guide you through the caregiving process. For our recommendations, including a brief description of each one, click here.

The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is intended as a supplement, not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. More