Sheldon, Iowa -– Most of us will end up caring for someone else at some point in our lives and it’s good to plan for that. Plus at some point, someone may end up taking care of you or your affairs after you die, and it’s good to have your affairs in order now when you are able. That’s according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Human Sciences and Family Finance Specialist, Jan Monahan.
She says the Extention Service is inviting family caregivers to register for the “Finances of Caregiving” course that will start on March 22nd at 6:00 p.m. at Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon. She tells us about a personal experience that she says she hopes will help in a troubled time.
She says the program will provide materials and expertise to assist caregivers in making financial decisions for the care recipient, as well as for themselves, since often caregivers have to take time off or spend their own money to help the care recipient.
Monahan says topics will include wills, Power of Attorney for health care and financial matters, retirement plans, tax-deferred savings, Veterans Benefits, Medicare, Medigap, Medicaid, the importance of effective communication and planning ahead, and more.
The five-week program will meet every Wednesday night beginning March 22nd through April 19th. The first and last sessions will meet face-to-face at Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon, and the other three sessions will be available online for participants to complete from their home or office.
Cost for the five-session training and materials has been reduced to $20 thanks to the sponsorship of the O’Brien County Extension Council. For more information and/or to register, visit www.extension.iastate.edu/obrien and/or contact the ISU Extension and Outreach O’Brien County office at 712-957-5045 or xobrien@iastate.edu. They do suggest you sign up now, as the deadline to register for the Finances of Caregiving course is this Friday, March 17th.
