A recent report on the local news station said that out of pocket expenses for caring for an elderly parent averages $550 a year.  These are non-reimbursable expenses and they are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what elder care costs.

If you are just getting started to figure out your parent’s current financial condition there is an easy way to find out if there are funds available to help you.  Go to benefitscheckup.com and answer the survey.

There are questions about your parent’s financial condition, the housing arrangements, and what medications they are taking.  The survey takes about thirty minutes to complete.  When done the web site will produce a list of all the federal, state, and local programs that your parent(s) qualify for.

Why not take advantage of the programs that already exist to help you help you take care of your elderly parents?