Are the cupboards bare?

Signs an elder may be scrimping a bit too much Given rising gas and food costs, it's not surprising that seniors are cutting expenses. But without realizing it, they can quickly create a dangerous situation for their health and well bring. In a report released earlier this year by AARP titled "The Economic Slowdown's Impact on Middle-Aged and Older Americans," 59 percent of seniors 65 and older surveyed said they'd found it more difficult to pay for essential items such as food, gas and medicine. Nearly half (47 percent) said they found it more difficult to pay for utilities such as heating, cooling or phone service. Forty-six percent have reduced the number of times they eat out and 45 percent cut back spending on entertainment.1 "Cuts of essential items such as food and medication should be of immediate concern to elders' families as it can create obvious dangers," said Al Carney, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Norwell, one of the 17 Massachusetts Home Instead Senior Care locations. "Other reductions in spending can lead to less obvious issues. One of the biggest problems that we see is social isolation, which has been magnified during this troubled time in our economy with the high price of gas," he added. 10 cost-cutting warning signs Below are signals that the downturn in the economy is impacting your loved one: 1. Is their home too warm in the summer and too cold in the winter? 2. Is the lawn not getting mowed, leaves not getting cleaned up or the sidewalk not getting cleaned in inclement weather? 3. Is your loved one complaining about not being able to afford medications? 4. Are home repairs not getting made? 5. Is there a shortage of food in the house? 6. Are they skipping doctor's appointments? 7. Are they staying home more and becoming isolated? 8. Are they cutting out entertainment? 9. Are they eating out less? 10. Did they cancel a vacation? Ways elders can stretch their dollars From Home Instead Senior Care and various senior and financial experts, here are eight ways that seniors can stretch their dollars: 1. Seek the services of an objective financial planner. Sheryl Garrett, CFP , founder of the Garrett Planning Network, said it's important for seniors to seek the advice of an objective fiduciary. For example, she said to get a second opinion on investments and financial purchases. And especially, if an elder is approached about changing r investments or making a purchase, make sure they get another opinion. 2. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging if you're having trouble paying for food and gas. There are programs that can provide basic foodstuffs every month, and help paying utility bills. For more information or an office near you, log on to National Association of Area Agencies on Aging at www.n4a.org. 3. Avoid convenience foods, which are more expensive. Watch for sales on fresh or canned fruits, vegetables and meats, which will be less expensive than convenience foods and better for you. 4. Look for deals on generic medications. Contact your pharmacist about ways to save money on your medications. 5. Walk when you can. If the gas prices are cutting into your social life, organize a walking club or walk with friends. 6. Carpool when you can't walk. There's economy in numbers. If you can't afford to drive somewhere solo or in pairs, contact others you know going in the same direction or the same place and share costs. 7. Minimize opening and closing doors in the cold of the winter ( and keep drapes drawn during the heat of the day in warm weather). This winter, try closing off parts of the house you're not using to cut down on utility costs. 8 When spring comes, help them get back to gardening. The economic downturn is generating a resurgence in gardening, and the over 55 crowd traditionally has been among the most avid gardeners. The national seed and plant company Burpee has experienced unprecedented 40 percent growth this year, double its normal rate, according to CEO George Ball. "With food costs up as much as 25 percent in places, gardening provides a 1 to 10 savings ratio, according to Ball. "In other words, for every $100 you spend on garden plants, you'll get $1,000 in produce. While $100 in groceries may last for only a couple of weeks, a senior can eat for six months on the produce from $100 in plants," Ball said. Keep them home to cut costs Financial planner Sheryl Garrett noted that the ability of elders to live at home rather than in a facility also helps them to cut costs as well. If a loved one needs assistance around the house, contact your local Senior Center for suggestions of reputable service providers, such as Home Instead Senior Care. For more information about the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, log on to www.n4a.org Article provided by Home Instead Senior Care of Massachusetts. For more information about Home Instead Senior Care visit /www.homeinstead.com/ma 1.assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/econ/economy_survey.pdf