AARP "Issues and Answers" Now Available Online

By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2004-01-22 10:47:54

Did you miss the workshops? Don't miss out on the issues or the answers! AARP's new "Issues and Answers" Series addresses topics of concern to adults 50 and older. Nearly 500 Delawareans attended our first two series of workshops last fall—Caring for Aging Loved Ones and Protecting Your Home Investment.

If you were unable to attend any of our sessions, you'll find a myriad of AARP online resources to help provide you and your parents with the answers to these issues.

Are You Caring for an Aging Loved One?

Most people do not prepare to become caregivers. The role may be gradual, beginning with just a simple phone call a week. You find yourself taking on more and more responsibility as time passes and your parent, relative or spouse needs more and more help. Or all of a sudden, you find yourself dealing with a difficult situation, making decisions in a crisis mode rather than in a planned fashion. AARP can help you prepare and cope with this caregiving role. You'll find a myriad of  information about caregiving on our Web site.

As we age, even simple activities can become difficult. But many people don't talk to their family members about changing needs until a serious illness, financial setback or some other family crisis erupts. Whether you take a direct or indirect approach, our article, "My Parents—How Do I Know if They Need Help?" (see Related Articles section below) provides tips for starting these difficult, but important conversations.

Regular contact with the medical community and the care of an older parent go hand in hand. Asking the right questions so that you and your parent can make sound decisions, giving health care professionals the information they need to make informed judgments, and obtaining the information, services and quality care your parent deserves are all key to breaking down potential barriers. Learn how to create a circle of communications as explained in our article, "Health Professionals, Patients and Caregivers," under Related Articles below.

Whether you're just beginning to "Plan for the Care of Your Aging Parents" or already trying to "Manage the Details" (see Related Articles below), you'll find AARP's online learning courses helpful in organizing your thoughts and resources.

Do You Need Tools and Techniques to Protect Your Home Investment?

You've worked hard to build up the equity in your home. Now let that solid foundation work for you. If you missed AARP's Issues and Answers Series—Protecting Your Home Investment, you'll find much of what you need to know online! Learn everything from how to develop a new cash stream to avoiding letting a leaky roof drain your life savings.

Want help with understanding the pros and cons of reverse mortgages? Learn how you can use the equity in your home to generate extra income to pay for expenses you did not anticipate. Reverse mortgages create a "reverse" loan—one that provides you with the cash you may need now, but which doesn't require repayment as long as you live in your home. You can receive the loan in one lump sum, a monthly payment or a number of other ways—whatever works best for your personal situation. The loan amount you receive depends on your age, your home's value and the cost of the loan. By law, you can never owe more than you home's value at the time the loan is repaid. But reverse mortgages aren't for everyone. Find out if a reverse mortgage is right for you.

Nearly 80% of AARP members own their own home, making home equity a major source of personal wealth. But AARP members are more likely to live in older homes that need repairs—repairs they are likely to rely on others fix. Learn about home equity loans and contracting for home improvement in our Related Articles below.

"Avoiding Predatory Lenders" is another helpful article about lenders that tend to prey on minorities, low- and moderate-income communities and older homeowners who may be behind on property taxes, need to fix up their homes or keep up with other bills or medical expenses. Check out "Avoiding Predatory Lenders" under the Related Articles section below for a step-by-step plan to help you identify honest lenders and contractors and learn how to respond if someone should take advantage of you.

Last year, 10 million Americans were the victims of "Identity Theft" (see Related Articles below). Identity theft is now the number one complaint reported to the Federal Trade Commission, home of our national Consumer Protection Bureau. Shredding you personal documents is no longer enough. And when identity theft does occur, victims spend on average more than $800 over two years to clear their name. Don't let this happen to you! Learn how you can avoid being one of the statistics. In this article, you will find recommendations on what to be wary of and whom you should contact to report an identity theft crime.

Maximize your options and your toolbox with good, practical consumer information from AARP.

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