How To Plan Now For Aging Parent Care

Adult children who become caregivers often pay a steep price. However, with some smart strategies, you can avoid sabotaging your financial future.

What can you do ahead of time to help ease the financial burden of caring for your aging parents?

Look into potential tax breaks.

As noted in a recent article in Oprah Magazine, titled “Sanity-Saving Secrets For Caring For Your Aging Parents,” an elderly parent may be claimed as a dependent if their annual income is less than $3,900 and you provide more than 50% of their financial support. Their medical expenses may also be deductible.

If possible, keep your day job

If you’re a full-time caregiver, don’t use your 401(k) or IRA for living expenses.

There’s a 10 % penalty for an early withdrawal. The original article also advises to do whatever you can to keep your day job, even on a modified schedule. If your employer isn’t helpful, you may be eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off through the Family and Medical Leave Act, allowing you time to make other arrangements.

If you have to quit work or go part-time, talk to your siblings and other family members about reimbursement for your services.

Be reimbursed by family members for your time

Once you have analyzed what you stand to lose in lost wages, then negotiating a salary needs to be a top priority. At a minimum, you should have enough for basic expenses, including housing, food, insurance, and IRA contributions. If your parents are footing these bills, speak with a qualified and experienced elder care attorney to make sure you’re not jeopardizing your parents’ Medicaid eligibility. Ask for a salary that offers you financial stability and peace of mind, both of which are critical for every caregiver.

Talk to an elder law attorney

Naturally, you should not approach this important responsibility without consulting an experienced elder law attorney, such as Legacy Law Group of Northern Virginia. We are experienced with helping families adjust to elder care situations. Give us a call or email us so we can help you start planning now for the best possible outcome.

Reference: The Oprah Magazine, “Sanity-Saving Secrets For Caring For Your Aging Parents”

Suggested Key Terms: IRA, Elder Law, Long-Term Care Planning, Elder Law Retirement Planning