Boomers Now Facing the Realities of Elder Care
Many are unprepared for the responsibilities that lie ahead
It’s a known fact that Americans are living longer today, largely due to a greater awareness of health, fitness and nutrition as well as advancements in science, medicine and technology.
Right now, the elderly population in the U.S. – those age 65 and over -- is more than 34 million and is projected to increase to 53 million by the year 2020.
Elder Care Will Affect Most Baby Boomers
Nearly 75% of the estimated 79 million baby boomers in this country have living parents, step-parents or in-laws who will eventually require care. The average length of care is about 4.5 years, but nearly one-third of current caregivers have reported providing care for more than five years.
Although they are mindful and concerned about the elder care issue, almost half of the boomers have yet to discuss it with their aging parents. Many of them procrastinate or simply don’t want to think about it because it diminishes the fantasy of their own retirement and forces them to face the sobering realities involved.
Stress is a Major Factor in Elder Care
It is estimated that two out of three Americans under age 60, or approximately 45 million individuals, currently provide unpaid care for an elderly adult. Nearly 60% work full-time jobs in addition to managing their own homes and families. This can place an enormous amount of stress on them physically, emotionally and financially.
In addition to coping with the stress of these new challenges, many care givers find they are unaware of, and unprepared for, the many responsibilities that lie ahead. Some of these are legal and financial in nature and others are referred to as normal Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). An example of these responsibilities might include:
- preparation of last wills and living wills
- establishing powers of attorney for financial and health care decisions
- banking and paying bills
- arranging for food deliveries and shopping for household supplies
- transportation for medical appointments
- assistance with personal needs and household chores
- adult day care
Planning is Key
Those faced with making crucial elder care decisions can begin preparing by following a simple five-step plan. Devised by Dr. David Stephen and JoAnna Ribordy of Home Not Alone, an in-home senior care giving organization, the model was designed to help care givers get a grasp on the process and minimize the impact they’ll feel when the time actually comes to provide care.
The five steps include:
- Evaluate the needs of the elderly loved one and the entire family. Include everyone in the discussion.
- Discuss solutions that meet these needs and then formulate a plan. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; utilize any and all available resources.
- Put the plan in motion. Make gradual changes to routines that can give everyone time to adapt.
- Monitor the execution of the plan. Pay attention to what is and isn’t working.
- Assess the results and make adjustments as necessary. Cycle back to step one.
Elder Care Options
Care giving options vary, depending on the nature and level of care that is needed. They can also be expensive, so be prepared. Here are some options to consider, along with a general evaluation of their costs:
- Nursing home and home health care – costs vary but typically very expensive, up to $5,000 a month
- Medicare – limited coverage for home and nursing home care; strict eligibility requirements
- Medicaid – chronic conditions covered for low-income individuals only
- Home delivered meals – low-cost or sometimes free
- Volunteer services – usually free
- Senior housing – not covered by insurances; usually low-cost but high demand and long waiting lists
- Hospice – fully covered by Medicare when provided by a Medicare-certified program
- Adult day care – averages about $30 a day; sometimes covered by Medicaid
Take Advantage of Elder Care Resources
It’s virtually impossible to do the job alone, so care givers are often advised to seek out and utilize as many available resources as possible to spread out responsibilities and avoid burnout. Support is there if they know where to look.
The following sources can provide valuable information and guidance that will help care givers become better equipped to make the decisions and plans that will be expected of them.
The National Alliance for Caregiving
American Association of Retired Persons (www.aarp.org)
U.S. Administration on Aging Eldercare Locator (www.eldercare.gov or 1-800-677-1116)
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