Seniors sometimes need to supplement their retirement income. However, they may no longer be able to work full time, or they might not be interested in a position that requires a great deal of responsibility. Earning money during the senior years also helps older adults feel a sense of control over their finances, and they benefit from keeping themselves physically and mentally engaged. These five money-making strategies give your senior loved one a way to earn an income and enjoy life.
1. House or Pet Sit for a Neighbor
Many people need someone trustworthy to take care of their pet or house while they travel. If your loved one is interested in this opportunity to make a little money, help him or her create an advertisement to post in the neighborhood’s online pages or local newspaper. Whether your loved one just checks on someone’s dog each day or house sits for a whole week, he or she may enjoy adding a little novelty to the daily routine.
Daily routines can become boring for seniors who live by themselves. Living alone at home in the golden years can present a few unique challenges. Trust Huntsville senior home care professionals to help your senior loved one maintain a higher quality of life while he or she manages an illness and performs the daily tasks of living.
2. Put Unwanted Items Up for Sale
Your loved one may literally be sitting on potential money if he or she has furniture and other belongings he or she no longer needs. Seniors often have collectible items that are worth far more than they paid for them years ago. Help your loved one sort through some of his or her belongings. Take it slowly and work through storage areas in the beginning. Over time, even the small sales can add up to more income.
3. Provide Tutoring Services
Your loved one may have things to teach younger people, and this is a great part-time job for retired teachers and others who enjoy reading and mathematics. Seniors tend to get just as much out of spending time with a younger person as the student gets from the tutoring sessions. Tutoring is also an income-generating opportunity seniors can modify to fit their needs. For example, your loved one can choose to have the students visit him or her at home if he or she cannot drive.
Another option is to hire an in-home caregiver who can provide transportation for your loved one. Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide in-home care, Home Care Assistance has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years.
4. Sell Handmade Items
Seniors who enjoy making things often have more products sitting around the house than they know what to do with. Your loved one might be able to make seasonal wreaths to sell to the neighbors, or he or she may love making scented soaps to take to the craft fair. Seniors also have the benefit of being able to use the internet to sell their crafts to a wider audience. Just make sure to help your loved one with the pricing on handmade items since shipping costs and supplies can quickly add up.
5. Decorate Cookies or Cakes
Your loved one may not be able to eat as many sweets as he or she used to, but that doesn’t mean he or she has to give up baking. Instead, your loved one can make cookies and other baked goods to sell locally. This is also a job that’s easily regulated since your loved one can simply take orders when he or she is interested in baking.
Having enough money to pay for basic needs makes it easier to remain independent in the golden years. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Huntsville, AL, seniors can depend on. To schedule a free in-home consultation, call us today at (256) 716-9940.