In today’s world, more and more situations arise that can be cause for concern to our elderly population. Consider some of the following:

Medicare prescription programs
There is now a new Medicare prescription insurance for the elderly, as we have all read and heard. There are many benefits to this program, but unfortunately, it is not always very clear and takes time to find out if the plan is beneficial to you or your loved ones.

Equally unfortunate is the fact that there are now new scams that people use to get vital information from seniors on the pretense of representing themselves as insurance brokers. You should not share any information from a person you do not know.

You should never give anyone your Social Security number or personal information. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if a business is reputable and ask for a business license. Ask your local pharmacy to help answer questions for you about the different plans available.

In-home care
Take the time to check out any agency that you might have in your home to offer care. All agencies should be able to provide the following information: a copy of their insurance for liability, Workers’ Compensation and bonding.

Make sure that caregivers have had background checks and proper training. Also ensure that caregivers are the agency’s employees; otherwise, you and your family may be held liable for all state and federal taxes and Workers’ Compensation for any injuries that may happen in your home.

Lending institutions
When looking for available funds to providing care for parents and loved ones, there are many options available. There are lots of ways to provide in-home care if you know where to go and ask the right questions.

Some of the programs provided by lending institutions are home equity, reverse mortgage or refinancing. You should make sure that you and your loved ones discuss all information pertaining to refinancing, home equity, reverse mortgages or other financial information.

Sometimes elderly people are given false information and find out only after they have signed over a life’s worth of savings. What they thought they were getting might be a far cry from what they just bought. This misconception can cause major financial hardships. Make it a habit to always go to a reputable company.

Contractors and handymen
If your home or that of a loved one needs repairs, it is best to make sure that you carefully check out the contractor or handyman before you hire them. Ask for referrals, and make sure there’s an up-to-date business license.

You should never pay for work that is not completed. A good practice is to give them a small deposit and then another payment when they are two-thirds done with the work, and final payment only when all work is complete and to your total satisfaction.

In all instances, a habit to get into is not to make any decision about money without having a conversation with a family member or reputable agency.

• Pam Warta and her husband, Dave, own a Comfort Keepers franchise, which provides home health care in Tracy.
http://www.tracypress.com/ourTown/2006-02-18-h ...