the sandwich generation. overview: ways to handle the many competing demands of caring for both...
TRANSCRIPT
Overview:
Ways to handle the many competing demands of caring for both children and aging parents.
Feeling pulled in many directionsBalancing work and familyHandling financesSharing the loadTime for yourselfRespite care
Feeling pulled in so many directions
Sandwich generationBetween ages of 35 and 60Balance the needs of your own childrenTrying to attend to the care needs of your parentsPlanning your own financial future and helping your parents meet their financial needs
Balancing work and family
WorkingRaising your own childrenCaring for an older adultCan cause you to feel:
ExhaustedOverloadedGuiltyWorking that you have neglected someone
Balancing work and family
Try to find ways to share care giving tasks
Spouse assists with children or the aging parentOther relatives who can assistExplore FMLA as an optionExplore community resources that can be helpful
Community Resources:
Adult Protective Services (APS)IHSSSenior CentersMeals on WheelsVisiting Nurses AssociationEAP
Important Issues for Seniors
MedicareCovers medical expenses for individuals over age 65Part A: hospital insurance and skilled nursingPart B: basic medical services-md office visits
Medicare
Part A covers 90 days IP per episodeLife time reserve of 60 daysAnnual co-pay of $840Up to 100 days of skilled nursing care per illness
Medicare
Part BBasic medical servicesMonthly premium of $58.70 and this increases by 10% if you do not sign up when initially eligible$100 annual deductible80/20 benefit
Medicare
Many care needs not coveredPrescription drugsRoutine physicalsEye glassesHearing aidsMost dental servicesRoutine foot care
Medigap
To fill the difference left by MedicarePurchase Medigap policies
Private insurance Two forms• One fills the gaps in Medicare benefits• One assigns coverage for medical care
through an HMO or other managed care plans
Medigap Policies
Pros and consFuture premium increases• Plan needs to be affordable today and in
the future
Pre-existing conditions• Insurance company screens potential
high users of the benefit
Check your parent’s current medications against the plan’s prescription formulary
Prescriptions:
Explore medigap plans for prescription coverageUse mail order for chronic medicationsTalk with MD about alternative medications or genericsShop around to different pharmaciesExplore low income programs through the pharmaceutical companies
Senior living environments
Independent LivingContinuing Care Retirement CommunitiesAssisted Living CentersBoard and Care HomesSkilled Nursing HomesDementia/Alzheimer Units
Senior living environments
Identify the options available in your areaReview these optionsSelect a few facilities for a site visitDo you homeworkMaking a decisionConsult with the EAP for assistance in this process
How to help your Aging Parents
Importance of having a conversation with your parents about the following topics:
Medical careFinancial affairsHousing plansAnd other arrangements
How to help Your Aging Parents
Important to start planning before a crisis occursNever an easy conversationNeed to overcome your natural fear about “meddling in their affairs”.
Helping your Aging Parents
Number of issues need to be clarifiedDo your parents want to remain in their home as long as possible?Do they have long-term care insurance?In the event of a crisis, is there a family member available who can provide care for several months? How do you and your parents feel about their moving into your home?
Helping your Aging Parents
Do your parents live in a remote area or are there services available in the area?Do your parents have an update will?How do they want to have health decisions made?Have they signed a health care directive?
How to Talk to Your Parents about the Future
Try to be sensitive and show genuine concern and interestBe supportive and not judgmentalAsk open ended questionsBe prepared to accept your parents’ decisions and points of viewDo not overwhelm them with lots of probing questions
Health Care Directives
Durable power of attorney for healthcare
Allows you to appoint someone to see that doctors give you the type of gave you want
Advanced DirectivesIn event that you are unable to direct your own medical care, this document allows the person you appoint to direct your medical care
Long-Term Care Insurance
Insurance that provides for long-term care in a skilled nursing facilities, assisted living or home care.Purchase three years of coverageCheaper when purchased at a younger age