It seems it was just yesterday when you were going through the passages of life – childhood, adolescence, courtship, marriage, children and establishing your own life. Through it all your parents were there for you. They were your rock, your protectors, your safe harbor. The realization that your parents are aging and changing may come unexpectedly or more gradually. Often you want to deny the changes you are seeing. Now the roles are reversing and you find yourself in the role of providing support. You’re the “sandwich” generation taking care of both children and parents. You realize that the coming years are going to be challenging. How will those changes affect your life? Your siblings, if any? Your children? What options do you have?
In the past there were only two options: family care or a nursing home. Thankfully, there are now many options available. The earlier you plan, the more options you have later on. For example, consider long term care insurance. Options include care at home where 90% of seniors choose to live out their lives. The older you are when you purchase it, if you still qualify, the more expensive it will be.
What’s the cost of caring for your parents in your home? What about independent living or retirement communities? Non-medical or medical care at home? Assisted living or skilled nursing communities?
As you consider all the options and the financial implications, there is an excellent resource book available. Stages of Senior Care: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Decisions was written by Paul and Lori Hogan, Co-Founders of Home Instead Senior Care. All of the proceeds from the book will be donated to the Home Instead Foundation, a source of grant monies for projects benefiting seniors.
