Health

Elderly Care Struggles: Personal Stories of Emotional and Financial Drain

courtesy of kffhealthnews.org

Desperate for Help: The Nightmare of Home Health Aides

Natasha Lazartes, 39, has had to care for multiple family members with cancer and dementia. After finally receiving a home health aide for her 97-year-old grandmother, Natasha faced constant challenges with aides calling in sick or not showing up at all. The broken and neglected healthcare system for the elderly has left her emotionally and physically drained.

Breaking Promises: The Difficult Decision to Move a Loved One

Robert Ingenito, 44, struggled with caring for his 93-year-old father while also raising a family. Despite his mother's dying wish to not put his father in a nursing home, Robert had to make the extremely difficult decision to move him into an assisted living facility due to the level of care needed. The financial burden of assisted living is a luxury that many cannot afford.

Cultural Struggles: The Dilemma of Placing a Parent in a Home

Karina Ortega, faced with caring for her mother with Alzheimer's, grapples with the societal pressure of not placing her in a home. As someone who was rebellious in her youth, Karina finds it difficult to give up on her mother, who never gave up on her. The cultural stigma around placing parents in homes adds to the emotional burden.

Burden of Cost: The Financial Toll of Long-Term Care

Gay Glenn watched as her mother's savings dwindled to pay for home care, only to have her fall and require long-term care in a nursing home. The exorbitant costs forced Gay to sell her mother's house and cash out life insurance policies. Despite her mother's passing, the state claims Gay still owes close to $20,000 for the year Medicaid paid for her nursing home.

Retirement Sacrifices: Balancing Care and Finances

Bryan Ness planned for his mother to live with him but found that home care costs were more expensive than an assisted living facility. With his mother's funds exhausted, Bryan turned to crowdfunding and extra work to cover the costs. The strain on his own retirement savings adds to the financial burden.

The Lonely Journey: Struggling to Find Help for Aging Parents

Stacey Wheeler's experience with caring for her mother in independent living revealed the lack of assistance and support available. The financial strain of skyrocketing costs and the difficulty of finding caregivers who truly care for elderly individuals adds to the already challenging situation.

These personal stories shed light on the emotional and financial toll of caring for aging parents. The broken healthcare system and high costs of long-term care leave many families feeling overwhelmed and abandoned. As the population continues to age, it is crucial for society to address these challenges and provide better support for those caring for their elderly loved ones.

courtesy of kffhealthnews.org

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