Parenting Parents on Less Social Security

According to reports, Social Security won’t increase and even could see a net decrease for 2010.  This may affect grandparents and those parenting parents.  Will this also affect those receiving Social Security for disabilities and as single parents?

Image: sxc.hu

This could be a challenge for those who are helping parents manage their money and for caregivers who take care of finances for Alzheimer’s parents, as I did for my mom.  If the Social Security check isn’t so large that goes to a nursing home or assisted living facility, will family have to make up the difference?  If the person is on supplemental Medicaid for nursing homes, too, will the state have to come up with more funds from an already tight budget?

What if neither can squeeze out more money?  Will the homes have to refuse some patients/residents?

We may need to think about some of these questions…and the answers as we cope with a tight economy, job losses, lower incomes, and decreasing Social Security.  The reality of Social Security not being there may be starting to evolve.

What do you think?