As our parents age, many of us find ourselves in challenging situations, especially when we don’t live nearby. Conversations can often go like this:
“How did your doctor’s appointment go?”
“It was fine, I think,” your parent might reply.
“Did you get any answers? What did the doctor say?”
“Not really sure. I think they’re going to do more tests.”
“What about the tests you took earlier? Any results?”
“Not yet.”
“Why not?”
“I’m not sure. I didn’t quite catch what the nurse said.”
“What was her name?”
“Um, something like Pasta?”
“So what’s next?”
“Honestly, I don’t know.”
These dialogues can be heart-wrenching, particularly when they involve your parents or grandparents. Despite my attempts to provide support through calls and letters, HIPAA regulations often prevent me from obtaining vital information. My family members are left waiting for their next appointments, often going alone, which can be distressing for everyone involved.
As baby boomers enter their golden years, many of us find ourselves in the “sandwich generation,” balancing the care of young children with the concerns for aging parents. According to Ai-jen Poo in her insightful book, The Age of Dignity, the nation faces an eldercare crisis. As more baby boomers age, a significant number may require assistance with daily tasks—cooking, cleaning, transportation, or companionship during medical visits—while others may need extensive care.
The Centers for Disease Control defines “aging in place” as the ability to live in one’s home and community safely and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability. However, our current healthcare system lacks adequate support for seniors who wish to remain at home. While doctors can prescribe limited home health visits, there are few solutions for those needing ongoing assistance. For instance, a parent who is not yet ready for a nursing home but needs someone to check in daily may find themselves without help.
Poo proposes various solutions that are already being implemented overseas. For example, in Japan, individuals aged 65 and older can apply for benefits and receive assessments to qualify for varying levels of care. This approach acknowledges that age-related decline is often a prolonged process that cannot be resolved with a handful of home health visits.
In the United States, innovative community solutions are emerging. The Brookings Institution recently featured “villages,” which are networks designed to assist seniors while allowing them to remain in their homes. These nonprofit organizations, funded by member dues, provide services such as transportation, social events, discounted medical services, and assistance with various tasks. Although not widespread, these villages exist mainly in urban areas, with several located in Washington, D.C. For more information, check out the Village to Village network.
It is clear that a significant structural change is necessary to provide dignified care for our elderly population, ensuring they can age at home while receiving fair compensation for eldercare workers. In the meantime, we can explore existing solutions, such as the services offered by Village to Village, including a “medical notetaker” service. This could be a valuable resource for families like mine.
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In summary, as we navigate the complexities of caring for our aging parents, it is essential to consider the various options available for supporting their desire to age in place. Whether through community networks or innovative programs, we can help ensure that our loved ones receive the care they need, while also advocating for broader systemic changes in eldercare.
Keyphrase: Supporting Aging Parents
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