Hi friends - I hope you tune into the show today. AM 1160/WYLL Chicago (2:00 central time), streaming live on wyll.com, or podcast after the show on the site here and on NationalReview.com.
This week is all about when it takes a parent - to care for a parent! Many of us are in the sandwich generation - we’re called on to take care of young kids and aging parents. We talk about managing those challenges, and the options available today to an older generation that, blessedly, rightly expects to live longer fuller and more independent lives than ever. I have two great guests on from Park Place of Elmhurst, a vibrant senior living facility in Elmhurst and part of a network of such facilities in the Chicago area. We talk about some of the unique challenges facing the elderly, including health and emotional changes. And why is that so many of us “infantalize” our aging parents? How can we still honor and respect our parents even when we have to start making some decisions for them, or caring for them in a way they once cared for us?
My guests talk about these issues, and the options for both independent living and senior care available under one roof that are springing up all over the country and that were not available to my grandparents. I hope you’ll tune in, and check out their site below (I plan on talking to my own dad about considering Park Place!)
Next week, my guest is Kate O’Beirne on women in the military. Should it really take a mother to go to war?
I hope you’ll tune in, and have a great week!
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December 15, 2007
I really enjoyed this show today. I think it is important to make these important decisions WITH our parents to get their input BEFORE a crisis situation arises. I thought that the information was informative and that your guests were very knowledgable.
Thanks for hosting. I would love to here more on this topic.
December 16, 2007
Betsy, I found this to be a very good program about a problem my wife and I have been dealing with for many years, first with my father and now with her mother. We also have issues with other family members and we are the caregivers for all of them. It’s a very demanding job for us. One thing that was not really mentioned in this program but is extremely important is financial preparedness. This must be done with an eye on the federal and state laws that apply to the area you will be placing your parent. For many of us it’s the same state we reside in but not everyone. State laws vary widely and must be taken into account or there can be very nasty surprises in store. Also, many people will not be able to pay for “private” care (which is what was being discussed today) and will need to rely on the federal, state, and local programs, i.e., Medicare and Medicaide. These programs have very specific and very ridgid rules about income and savings, etc. It would be advisable for anyone talking with their parents about these issues to consult CPAs, lawyers, finacial planners, government agencies, and other people who have experience in these areas and to make their plans early and keep them updated regularly as conditions change.
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