Planning For Another Stage of Our Lives

by Betty Soldz

Numerous studies show that independence and the ability to remain at home are of prime importance to us as we grow older. Each of us will age differently, but eventually most of us will reach the stage of our life when we will need some assistance with care. Previously we looked to our children, especially our daughters, daughters-in law, or perhaps our spouse, for this assistance.  In the past few decades however, family demographics have changed in ways that limit these resources. 
      Although in the past we could count on our daughters or daughters-in-law when we needed assistance, the majority of them are now in the workforce.  Additionally, many of our children are divorced and often single parents.  Due to a high job mobility rate, children and parents may live thousands of miles apart.  Until recently many women thought they would receive assistance from a spouse. This may be unrealistic for several reasons.  Women outlive men by approximately seven years.  Divorce increased dramatically in our lifetime and a certain percentage of women never married or do not have lesbian partners. 
      The old model of caregiving is no longer a realistic one and if we wish to remain independent it is imperative to know our options and make plans before we need assistance  Because each of us is unique there is no single way to do this.  One way to begin is to identify our needs and our resources to determine what can be provided by our informal support system such as family, friends and neighbors and what is available in formal supports exemplified by the government and purchased services. 
      Families, when we have them, will make up a part of this system.  We may be able to count on them when we have a short-term crisis but our children's lives are very full and we should not plan to count on them over a long period of time or as our main support.  The number of children we have and their availability will determine how much help we can expect from them.  Others who could be part of this system are our brothers and sisters and sometimes our grandchildren or nieces and nephews will help.  Neighbors can be an important part of this system as many are happy to pick up groceries when they are going to the store, bring in our mail, or even take us to the doctor. Lastly, don't forget the network of friends we have built through the years.
      Once we have figured out our informal support system, it is time to appraise our needs.  Perhaps we will we need financial help, transportation, housekeeping assistance, nursing help or just emotional support?  Will we need or want new living arrangements?  Although most of us will need some assistance, we should only seek the help we need at the time.  Perhaps we will only need someone to call and check on us each day or to bring us a bottle of milk.  Perhaps we only need someone to take us to the doctor.  If we request only the help we really need at the time, it will be easier to ask for and obtain more help when we need it. We can avoid over-utilization of this informal support system by matching our needs and the formal support system available to us.
      This task may not be easy.  Many women find they have too many assets to receive government assistance but too few assets to purchase help.  Your local Area Agency on Aging(AAA) is the place to find out what services are available and how to qualify for them. Then use some creativity to accomplish the goal of remaining independent.
      Trading services may give you the independence you desire.  Example: Perhaps you can do someone's bookkeeping or cooking and they can drive you to the doctor or for errands;   each exchange should be negotiated ahead of time.  It is also helpful to create a buddy system with someone we know.  We can check on each other either by visiting, if we live nearby, or with a daily phone call. There is something comforting about knowing someone will check on us.
      At the time one needs services it may be wise to have an assessment by a professional case manager who will help determine what help is needed and what you can afford.  They can also help with locating the services. A case manager can even coordinate delivery of services. For those with low income, a case management service may be provided by the local AAA. 
      This may be the moment when we may want to consider whether alternative housing is a useful option.  (See previous article "Home is Where the Heart Is").   In several alternative housing options a range of services will be provided.   Perhaps sharing our apartment or house will be a way to maintain our independence.  If these are not options that you would be comfortable with, consider hiring some of the following services.  Some are low cost or free according to income, but availability and cost  will differ by community and state and a number of  services may be a bit expensive.       Many of the above services require that a stranger come into our home.  Before hiring anyone be sure to check their references.  It is always prudent to put away valuables we would not want to lose.   If  hiring through an agency, check their references and make sure their employees are bonded. 
     For a more complete understanding of what can be done  to prepare for the time when care may be needed,  please use this article along with the author's previous articles for this web site on Caregiving, Alternative Housing as well as Long-Term Care Insurance and Options to Financing Long Term Care.  These five  articles used together will give a more comprehensive view of available choices.
     The best chance of maintaining independence and the quality of life we want is to anticipate our needs and make plans for our future.