Many people wait until there is a crisis to discuss financing for long-term care. Planning ahead can make decisions easier on both the caregiver and the care receiver. To help families begin to have these important discussions, Cass County Extension is pleased to be hosting the Finances of Caregiving series this winter. Finances of Caregiving is a new series of 5 workshops designed to help families plan together for the care receiver’s care. The series begins Tuesday, February 21, and runs for 5 consecutive Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at the Cass County Extension Office in Atlantic.

“It is important to plan ahead while the care receiver still has the capacity to sign legal documents. It is also important to involve all members of the family so that the care receiver’s wishes are clearly understood,” says instructor Sandra McKinnon, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Human Science Specialist, Family Finance.

“Life expectancy for Americans continues to increase, so it is more and more likely that most adults will be caring for an elderly parent or relative,” says McKinnon. Long term caregiving has significant financial consequences for caregivers, particularly for women. If it is necessary for the caregiver to leave work or reduce hours, they will need to prepare for retirement while providing care.

“Understanding your choices means knowing your current situation,” says McKinnon.  “This program guides you through finding and collecting that information. In this workshop, caregivers and care receivers create an information binder to help family members when a crisis does occur. It will take time, but it will be time well spent,” she adds.

The fee for the entire series is $20. Each participant receives a financial binder and other planning resources that they will use to create a family care plan throughout the course. Family members are encouraged to attend together to create a comprehensive plan that is respectful to the wishes of all parties.

The workshop series is presented by Cass County Extension. To register, contact the Cass County Extension office at 712-243-1132, or stop by 805 West 10th St., in Atlantic.You can also visit www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/ for more information, or a printable registration form.