Father's Day: Where Does Dad Hang His Hat?

BOSTON (CBS) - Do you think your Dad is having trouble maintaining his home? Is the garden over run with weeds? Are you mowing the lawn? Stairs becoming a problem?

How about getting in and out of the tub? He may not tell you about that; you may first notice he is not bathing as often as he used to.

Do you think Dad would benefit from a different living arrangement? Does Dad think he may need a different living arrangement? If he does you are golden for it is then easy to get his buy in for you to help.

Could you add an apartment to your home for him? Do you and the kids move in with Dad because his house is bigger than yours?

Multi-generational living is becoming mainstream again. There has been a 70% increase in the past decade of parents moving in with the kids. Almost 5 million grandparents live with family.

Can Dad's present housing be adapted so that he can stay there? Are there services provided through the local Area Agency on Aging that can help Dad stay in his home.

Can you hire someone to mow the lawn? Does the house need some remodeling such as adding a bathroom and bedroom downstairs that would make it one floor living for Dad? Or add a stair lift to get him up and down the stairs?

Does Dad add an apartment to his house so someone can live there and periodically look in on him in exchange for cheaper rent? Does dad get a roommate? Uncle Harry perhaps?

There are other housing options available; Assisted Living, Independent Living Facilities or Continuing Care Retirement Communities. These are not nursing home facilities but places where Dad can live independently with his stuff and get help and meals as needed. Where do his friends or siblings live? Would he want to be near them?

According to Genworth Financials'  latest (2016) Elder Care survey, the average cost of an Assisted Living facility nationwide is about $43,500 annually. In Massachusetts, it's over $65,500.

Start your search with the Eldercare Locator to find assistance here in Massachusetts as well as anywhere in the country. Their website lists information on services and programs in Massachusetts for our elders. There phone number is 800-243-4636.

Check Eldercare Link for other options around the country.

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You can hear Dee Lee's expert financial advice on WBZ NewsRadio 1030 each weekday at 1:55 p.m., 3:55 p.m., and 7:55 p.m.

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