According to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 34 million unpaid
caregivers providing care for family members who suffer from illness or
disability. Those caregivers must often seek additional support in the form of
qualified third party providers. Caregivers who support aging parents may find
the following information helpful when making those choices.
Housing
Resources:
The U.S. Government provides
families with information on housing options and related information. Online
resources such as Caring.com
and A Place for Mom,
also have a great deal of housing information, as well as tips and advice for
family caregivers. There are also many “hands on” services in your local market,
such as Oasis
Senior Advisors and Assisted Living Locators,
who may help with housing placements.
Home
Sales Resources:
The National Association
of Realtors developed the Senior Real Estate
Specialist (SRES®) Program in 2006. Realtors who carry the
SRES® designation after their name have been trained to understand the needs of
their senior clients including housing options, financing, and issues facing a late-life
move from family home.
Move
Management and Liquidations:
When it’s time to move, families often need help
with downsizing, decluttering, packing, unpacking and selling items that are no
longer needed. Caring
Transitions® has been leading this
segment of the industry for over a decade, and is the nation’s largest, most
trusted resource for relocations, estate sales and online auctions. All Caring
Transitions® offices are fully insured and CRTS® certified.
Movers/Van Lines:
In conjunction with government agencies, the
American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) launched their Pro Mover program in 2009 to
help the consumer identify and steer clear of moving imposters, known within
the industry as “rogue operators,” by giving consumers an easy way to separate
reputable, professional movers from con artists out to make a quick buck at
their expense. Individuals can locate an interstate Pro Mover by looking for
the Pro Mover logo, which is only issued to those companies that meet AMSA
standards. Many state movers’ associations have their own local programs to
help qualify local movers. For more information contact your local mover’s
association.
Financial
Advisors:
While not specific to senior adults, the Certified
Financial Professional (CFP) designation is awarded to those individuals who
meet the CFP Board’s experience and exam requirement for financial planning,
risk management, insurance planning and more.
Legal
Advisors:
The National Association for Elder Law attorneys
maintains a list of both accredited (CELA-Certified Elder Law Attorneys) and
experience qualified attorneys who specifically serve senior clients and their
families.
Additional Support
Additional support for aging
parents in the form of relatives, close friends, neighbors, religious leaders
and other associates, are equally as important. These individuals often become
the people caregivers rely on most for day to day updates and oversight. The most important thing caregivers can keep
in mind is that they are not alone and there are many qualified resources
available to them.