I am proud to say my own mother still keeps her own checkbook and balances it to the penny every month. Still, there are times when she gets mail related to some aspect of her finances that she just isn’t sure she completely understands, or occasions when the bank statement doesn’t balance, or she forgets to send in a payment on time. I get the call and am very grateful that I am close enough to be able to help and am especially grateful that she asks. Many older adults don’t have a family member or trusted friend close enough to give them that sort of support. Many don’t want anyone to know they might actually need that sort of support. And yet keeping all the day-to-day financial stuff straight is key to independent living.

A sure threat to independent living is when the utilities, property taxes, quarterly taxes, or credit card statements don’t get paid timely. Daily money management is just one of the ways that an elder care coordinator can help seniors maintain their independence and give them peace of mind. Elder care coordinators who engage in daily money management services carry appropriate insurance and should be able to provide references to ease any concerns regarding their trustworthiness. The care coordinator will work with the older adult to develop a plan to review statements for accuracy, make sure financial obligations are disbursed appropriately, and that accounts are kept in balance. Mail can be reviewed, explained, and then acted on appropriately.

When I wear the Daily Money Manager hat, it truly isn’t just about the money. Underneath, my Care Coordinator hat is firmly in place. I can’t help but be attuned to other aspects of how the older adult is functioning. Having an elder care coordinator in the home on a routine basis can be a great asset in monitoring for when other support services might be needed too. What do you think? Take a moment to share your two cents worth. How do you think the services of a daily money manager would play out with the older adults in your life?

Watching the accounts,
Connie

Susan Millard, an Elder Care Coordinator with SCC,  is also a Disaster Mental Health Manager with the American Red Cross. She has responded to local events such as the aftermath of the 2002 tornados in Morgan and Cumberland Counties, a railway chemical spill in Knoxville, numerous hurricanes in Florida (2004 & 2005), and even to New York City following 9-11.

Susan has first-hand knowledge about the physical and emotional impact seniors can face when a disaster strikes. “As a general rule, seniors are our vulnerable population. Children under six and adults over sixty or more likely to be injured or killed in a disaster.” Thinking ahead, being realistic, and developing a plan is key. Susan advises seniors “to have enough food, water, and medications to survive for a minimum of three days. If the disaster were to result in prolonged displacement, have a plan for relocation. Who could help transport the senior and take care of them once they arrive?”

In a disaster, three days can pass quickly without much improvement or access to help. All Things First Aid, the American Red Cross, and FEMA have comprehensive suggestions that will help ensure seniors are as prepared as possible for any untoward event. All these sources emphasize the need for preplanning with a heavy emphasis on communicating the plan to others. From Susan’s experience, “One of the major hurdles during a disaster is family members trying to locate their loved one(s). It may take days or weeks to determine if everyone is okay. Both parties – the senior and their family members – should have an advance plan to contact each other in the event of an emergency.”

But what about the emotional aspect of coping with a disaster? “It may depend on the senior’s history of coping in past situations,” says Millard. “Seniors have a lot of life experience and may be quite resilient. On the other hand, if the senior has dementia, anxiety, or depression their symptoms may exacerbate. Having to relocate creates additional stress. Being prepared, realizing that change is a part of life, and having a support system is key to survival in any situation.” Good words to take to heart. No need to play the odds—be prepared.