When a family member or friend requires the help of a caregiver, there are a lot of things to consider.

What often is not discussed is the financial implications of caring for a loved one. That’s why the Alzheimer’s Association is hosting a class with the Salem Health Community Health Education Center to tackle these tough conversations.

Starting the conversation

“It’s good to know the person’s wishes. In those early stages a patient can still make decisions, and they are capable of talking things through,” said program manager Alise Liepnieks.

Liepnieks said these conversations start by looking at how someone wants to manage their finances, setting up a power of attorney document to act on behalf of someone who needs care and determining beneficiaries.

“Having those plans in place is a huge burden off their shoulders, knowing that they’ve done the preparation,” Liepnieks said.

Resources and planning

The program manager said state and federal resources are available, but it’s important to do research early on.

Medicare does not pay for things like memory care, and Medicaid is only an option for low-income families. This is important to know, as full-time memory care can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000 a month.

“There’s always the option of a Medicaid spend-down,” Liepnieks said. “That’s where you release a lot of your monetary assets and investments down to a certain point so you can qualify for Medicaid or OHP. That’s something you have to do with the assistance of an elder law attorney.”

Liepnieks notes that memory care facilities often have wait lists as well.

“It’s good to say these things out loud, have these discussions, and put these plans into place,” she said.

Liepnieks said planning ahead will create a sense of relief.

“This will bring awareness that this is another thing you have to think of, and the earlier you do it, the easier it’s going to be,” she said.

A personal connection

The program manager said four of her family members received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and this conversation hit close to home.

“The family was faced with the decision to put one family member in memory care and had no idea of the cost and the expense,” she said. “He was wandering, that’s a very dangerous thing. You need memory care if they’re exhibiting certain behaviors.”

As far as who could be impacted by caregiving?

“I think this is a class everyone should take,” Liepnieks said.

How to sign up

This free class will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Community Health Education Center, in Salem Hospital Building D, Classroom 1.

Interested in learning more? Register here.

In the meantime, the Community Health Impact lecture in November will feature aging and caregiving expert Kari Berit. That will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 12, and Wednesday, Nov. 13, at four different locations. Click here to reserve tickets and learn more.