You have accepted your role of taking care of your aging parents in Virginia, and you have been doing a lot of research about how to be the best caregiver for them. Be sure that you do not accept caregiving myths as facts.
U.S. News & World Report tackles several falsehoods surrounding the overall cost of being a caregiver. Educate (or re-educate) yourself on what is fiction and what is fact.
“Insurance and Medicare cover home health assistance”
Just because your parents have health insurance or qualify for Medicare does not necessarily mean that coverage includes visits from a home health aide or nurse. Such visits are often considered custodial care, which is not covered by Medicare or health insurance. Some basic medical services, such as blood pressure checks, receive coverage, but you can expect to have to pay for more intensive visits out of pocket.
“Living at home saves a lot of money”
While taking care of your aging parent at home can save on the cost of a nursing home, you can still expect some extra costs. For instance, you may spend more on gas taking your parent back and forth to the doctor. You may also need to hire someone to cut the grass, help keep the house clean or even repair a busted heater.
“The cost of being a caregiver is only financial”
In addition to the financial costs involved with being a caregiver, you should also consider the impact on your mental and emotional health. You could find yourself saddled with more stress and less time for your own enjoyment and family.
Get a clear idea of what it costs to be a caregiver. It is only with the most recent and accurate information that you can do the best job possible of taking care of your aging parent.
