Today’s seniors face ever-increasing expenses. With run-away prescription costs and higher insurance premiums, many seniors make difficult choices in order to live within their monthly budget. If you’re trying to find the best way to keep within your budget or need some ideas to help your parent or loved one, here are some tips that may help.
Consider Selling the Car
For many older seniors, their car sits in the driveway far more than it’s driven. If you look at the cost of insurance, gas, maintenance, and a car payment, you may be able to free up a great deal of your budget. A taxi service may be more cost effective or you can hire a private home health agency that provides transportation services, as well. If are already using a home health agency, more than likely they will be able to provide transportation for errands, social engagements, church, or doctor visits, etc. as part of their services.
Join a Prescription Discount Program
It may take some research to find the right one, but there are many. Some are good only for a particular drug, while others are good at specific pharmacies. Here is a link to a list that may help you find a pharmacy-based program that may save you money.
Ask for a Discount
Many places offer senior discounts every day or on certain days of the week or month. Stein Mart, Bealls, Kohl’s, and Ross all offer discounts ranging from 10% – 50%. Many restaurants offer AARP members or their club members discounts every day.
Consider a Senior Community
Although assisted living centers come with a high price tag, there are senior communities that aren’t assisted living but offer many of the same benefits. Things like organized group activities and transportation can provide savings. You may find that moving and paying the association fee is less than staying in your own home and owning a car. The planned activities often come with a group discount and make being active even more affordable.
There are ways to stretch your budget as a senior and there are people to help. If you need some assistance or have a parent in need of assistance, reach out to RMF Care Management, Inc. We advocate for seniors and can help find the right solution for your budget whether that means helping with finding the right senior living option or matching you or a loved one with an affordable in-home care assistant. Call 727-787-8677 in Pasco or Pinellas and 813-884-6100 in Hillsborough.