The lower class too often falls through the cracks when it comes to healthcare and assistance with the elderly. Working class families rarely have the financial resources to provide the level of care a sick or aging parent or relative may need. As those medical expenses pile up, the situation can become overwhelming for the caretakers and the person in need. With just a small amount of information and direction, you can start getting your loved one the help they need.
When you take that aging parent to the doctor, look for brochures in the waiting room. Many human services agencies will place these in places that are frequented by the elderly. If you don’t see anything in the waiting room itself, ask the receptionist if they keep brochures in the back. Sometimes, an office will do that to keep the public area neat. Depending on your needs for your family member, you’ll likely find some kind of little booklet or brochure that will give you the direction you need.
Medicare and Medicaid have little publications that help answer questions and offer advice. Another excellent resource is Caring Connections. They publish little booklets that discuss everything from caring for someone with Alzheimer’s to understanding Medicare benefits. If you don’t find these booklets in the doctor’s office, go to a free community health fair. One of the many vendors will have them, and they’re free. Health fairs are another great resource for the lower classes because they often offer free health screenings that can detect problems before they become serious. No matter what, seek the free advice and help that’s offered.
