There is a very significant demographic shift underway at the present time, and it is having an impact on countless families.
During the years that immediately following World War II, an unprecedented number of babies were born. This phenomenon has come to be known as the baby boom, and these folks have been dubbed the baby boomers.
The baby boom years were 1946 to 1964, so many of these individuals are now senior citizens, and others are getting very close. According to the Social Security Administration, 10,000-15,000 people are applying for their benefits every day.
This volume is expected to continue into the foreseeable future, so elder law attorneys are going to be providing a lot of guidance over the coming years.
Long-Term Care
There are a number of different matters that seniors and those who are planning ahead for their golden years should address, but there is one that stands above all the rest.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services tells us that 70 percent of seniors will need living assistance at some point in time. Some will require full-time residence in nursing homes or assisted living communities, and others will be able to get the care that they need at home.
In-home care is going to be the preferred choice for many people for a couple of different reasons. For one, nursing homes and assisted living communities are extremely expensive, and Medicare does not pay for long-term care. The other one is the simple fact that most seniors are comfortable in their homes, and they don’t want to move into unfamiliar surroundings.
Juggling Responsibilities
Family members often step up to the plate to provide in-home care for their aging parents. Some family caregivers have grown children, so they do not have to simultaneously provide care for an aging parent and their dependent child or children.
However, there are increasing numbers of people that are forced to juggle these responsibilities. The people that are part of this group are members of what is being called the “sandwich generation.”
Even if your only primary responsibility is to provide care for a parent, it can be very challenging to be thrust into this position, even if you are totally willing. Let’s look at a few rules of thumb that can provide some structure for you as you embark on your journey as a family caregiver.
Do Your Research
Clearly, you are going to get certain advice from the doctor or doctors. You should also gain a personal understanding of the underlying condition or conditions that are causing the challenges. And speaking of physicians, they are not allowed to release medical information to others, even family members, under the HIPPA law. However, an authorization form can be signed, and this is something that should be done while your parent is fully capable of making sound decisions.
Seek Knowledge and Support From Other Caregivers
As they say, experience is the best teacher. If you know people that have provided care for aging family members, you should learn what you can from them. Plus, there are support groups, both online and in person. You can participate in these groups to communicate with other people that are going through the same things that you are.
Don’t Overdo It
It is important to make sure that you understand your limits, because there is only so much that one person can handle. This is true on the physical level and the emotional level.
When we say that you shouldn’t overdo it, there is another facet. Your parent may need a certain degree of help, but you should certainly encourage as much independence as possible, because activity is a very positive thing.
Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
When you love someone, you are providing care because you sincerely want to help for all the right reasons. At the same time, a lot of feelings can come to the surface, and there can be internal conflicts.
You may feel as though you are not paying enough attention to other family members (this is common among members of the sandwich generation), and this can make you feel guilty. At times, you may get angry, and you may feel a sense of resentment.
These are all natural emotions, and you should not be afraid to talk about them with people that you are comfortable confiding in.
Discuss Elder Care Planning with Our Firm
We focused on the matter of family caregivers here, but many people cannot rely on their families when they need living assistance. Plus, the level of care that is required may exceed the capabilities of someone that is not a professional.
Paid long-term care is expensive, and as we have stated, Medicare will not cover it. Medicaid is the widely embraced solution, and in spite of the fact that this a need-based program, you can take steps that will lead to eligibility.
If you would like to initiate the process, you can schedule a consultation at our Bluffton, SC elder law office if you call is at 843-815-8580. There is also a contact form on our site that you can fill out if you would rather send us a message.
Hunter is a member of the South Carolina Bar Association, the Beaufort County Bar Association, and has served on charitable and advisory boards in the Bluffton/Hilton Head area.
Hunter graduated from Hilton Head High School. He then earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from Clemson University, in Clemson, South Carolina.
Hunter graduated Cum Laude from Regent University School of Law in Virginia Beach, Virginia, having earned a Juris Doctor Degree. He also wrote his doctorial thesis on Estate Planning Dynasty Trusts.
Hunter has called Beaufort County home for since 1984, where he lives with his wife and two children.In his spare time he dabbles in automobiles, reading history, hunting and fishing.
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