To help your parent decide, the first step is taking a look at their gross income.

FORBES: Your Aging Parents And Tax Season: A Getting-Started Guide

It helps you and can help your parent at the same time.

FORBES: Magic Touch: Six Things You Can Do to Connect in a Disconnected World.

From AgingParents.com, here are Ten Warning Signs Your Parent Needs Help Handling Money.

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If your parent resists help (my mother often did), gently insist.

FORBES: How To Parent Your Parents

Try these pointers if your aging parent needs some help in getting through to the doc.

FORBES: Are Aging Parents Truthful With the Doctor?

Get a device (personal emergency response system) your parent can use to call for help if needed.

FORBES: Mom! Look Out, Don't Fall!

Sometimes, the feeling of frustration and even anger at your aging parent can overwhelm you when you are only trying to help.

FORBES: A Sure-Fire Strategy To Calm Family Conflicts