Most clients say they want to receive care in their homes. But they also say they don’t want to be a burden on family or friends.
Both goals are understandable and maybe in conflict when care is needed. As with so many things in life, it can be wise to be careful of what we wish for.
When someone needs extended care, the consequences usually fall first on loved ones – namely, children and/or a spouse. The majority of caregivers today are adult children providing care to a parent (sometimes both parents). And while many care recipients reside in their own home, 40% [3] reside in their caregiver's home. With an average age of 49 [4], it’s likely the caregiver is employed and caring for a family of their own – commonly referred to as the “Sandwich Generation.”
It’s likely not the picture of care your clients envision. “Informal”, family caregivers will need and want help from professionals. That care doesn’t replace family caregivers; instead, it allows them to provide better care longer. The ability to offset some of the care - time and/or tasks - to a professional dramatically mitigates the personal and financial consequences of caregiving. Having a plan that encourages and enables the sharing of care could allow your client to successfully “age in place,” receive
needed care while supporting and protecting the people they love and trust most.
Every client needs a plan…..
It's time to start the conversation.
[1] https://www.morningstar.com/articles/957487/must-know-statistics-about-long-term-care-2019-edition
[2] https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2020/05/full-report-caregiving-in-the-united-states.doi.10.26419-
[3] https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2020/05/full-report-caregiving-in-the-united-states.doi.10.26419-2Fppi.00103.001.pdf
[4] https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/ppi/2020/05/full-report-caregiving-in-the-united-states.doi.10.26419-2Fppi.00103.001.pdf
The CLTC is a member of the Limited & Extended Care Planning Center.