David Goodman and Jeffrey Hatten are joined today by Frank Esposito, who has been in the Home Care business for over 30 years. The topic of today's episode is the stress of being a long-distance caregiver, according to a study conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP, 15% of the estimated 34 million Americans who provide care to older family members can be considered long-distance caregivers, living one hour or more away from their relatives. 

 

There are many concerns that long-distance caregivers have, and Home Care agencies are the ones offering solutions to make sure your loved ones are safe. Some families also opt for care management companies which usually can take care of doctors' appointments (from scheduling an appointment to actually taking the senior to it), medication management, bill paying, groceries, and even home repairments when needed.

 

The situation with seniors can change rapidly, in only months they can lose their ability to take care of themselves and their homes, it is important to be attentive to the warning signs such as unpaid bills, household conditions, and the freshness of food in their kitchens.

 

What does Home Care provide for families?

• The ability to spend quality time with loved ones since daily chores are taken care of. 
• Accompanying seniors to their medical appointments and advocate on their behalf.
• Safety checklist to make the house appropriate and safe for the senior.

 

Resources for Seniors who do not have a community that can assist them or the financial ability to afford home care:

• Most counties have an Office On Aging which provides several options in programs for seniors.
• Veterans benefit (Aid and Attendance Program) can cover over $30,000 per year.
• Consider a Nursing Home.
• Medicaid services-
• Meals On Wheels provide more than just food by keeping an eye on our loved ones and even to their pets.
• A reverse mortgage or life insurance can ease access to capital in order to get the needed care.

 

Mentioned in this episode:

Frank Esposito CSA on Linkedin

Expert Home Care

VA Aid and Attendance Program and Other Pensions for Aging Veterans

Office on Aging

Meals On Wheels