There was an article in the NY Times, "Elder-Care Costs Deplete Savings of a Generation."
The synopsis of the article is "Never before has old age lasted so long or been so costly, compromising the retirement of baby boomers." And while I am not a baby boomer, yeah. We spend about $700 to $1,200 taking care of my MIL. We've lost jobs because of taking care of her, because of the need to be with her and take way too much time off.
Medicaid thinks a person can live off of $600 a month. So we have to PAY BACK from her Social Security.
Yeah.
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4 comments:
My heart is with you. Lost jobs, depression and other health problems. children who feel neglected because of all the care the elder needs - these are just a few of the things that can happen.
It is wonderful that some elders are living longer in better health. But the reality is that many are living longer in poor mental and/or physical health.
Adult children suppliment their income to buy them clothing and drug store items or allow them to buy gifts. We worry 24/7 that each phone call is another trip to the ER. There is no getting away from the stress.
We also worry that our kids aren't getting enough of our time. It's a challenge for the best of us. Most people genuinely want to do the right thing for their elders. But it can be a huge juggling act.
Do the best you can to take care of yourself. Easy to say, hard to so. but try.
Carol Bradley Bursack
www.mindingoureldersblogs.com
I'm so thankful our parents are still in pretty good health. Really brings your "sandwich life" title home, this.
Bea
I can only imagine your struggle to balance it all. I worry about what will happen when my parents age.
I just want to thank you for your lovely comment on my blog! I nearly burst into tears when I read that -- you are way too sweet!!
And how on earth does Medicaid think a person can live on $600/month?!?! Wow!
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