Boomers Not Prepared To Care For Aging Parents
A recent study commissioned by AARP suggests that many of us Boomers aren’t prepared to provide the care or oversight needed by our aging parents. According to Elinor Ginzler, director of livable communities for the American Association of Retired Persons,Talking about how to care for elderly parents in the middle of a crisis is the worst and most difficult time to do so. That’s why planning ahead is so important.
If plans are made before a crisis hits, it’s more likely that plans will be in place that all family members want. And that’s as important for aging parents to know as it is for their children.
Somebody will decide where you spend the rest of your life — make sure it is you. When we operate in a crisis, it is rarely you who gets to make that decision.
According to Ginzler, topics of conversation with your parents should include:
Issues to discuss with aging parents include:
• How to pay for long-term care, and if long-term care insurance is needed.
• How older parents will get around when they can no longer drive.
• How older parents can continue bill-paying and other periodic maintenance such as yard work and auto registration.
• What older parents want their futures to be like.
• Assessment of current needs and current situations.
Of course, it helps if the parent is willing and able to look at life rationally. Unfortunately, even after the death of her husband, my mom is convinced that she’ll be able to stay in her home, maintain her affairs, and keep driving forever. And wishing will make it so…
Labels: AARP, aging parents, Baby Boomers
Thursday, November 09, 2006
AARP and Medicare Part D
I get tired of writing about Medicare Part D, but seriously folks, it’s a huge decision, as some of us learned this year. And it’s way too complex for any elderly person I know to understand. Another problem seems to be that we’re shooting at a moving target. The plan you had last year may change in any of several ways. And from what I’ve heard, they can even change during the year.AARP provides an easy-to-understand synopsis of the program. Please don’t just assume that you’ll do what you did last year.
Now I need to get my mom to send me the materials from their plan so I can see what changes they’re making and then compare them with the others in the area. Problem is, my folks are in an HMO. I wonder what happens if you opt out of the HMO’s Part D plan but want to stay with the HMO. Anyone know?
Labels: AARP, Medicare Part D
Monday, October 30, 2006
AARP Polls Members re: Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
A new AARP poll indicates that only 46% of Americans age 61 and older think Medicare’s prescription drug plan will be a good thing for older Americans who have difficulty paying for their prescriptions. These older people are even less likely than baby boomers, not yet eligible to participate, to give it a favorable rating. Twenty-six percent of those age 42 and older in this survey think the program is bad for older Americans.This is not surprising as more seniors fall into the donut hole and realize that the Plan is not all it was cracked up to be.
Open season begins November 15. If you are not pleased with your plan, Watch your mail for the Medicare & You handbook and for information from plans in your area. Complete the Rx Enrollment Check-up. You can also review and compare plans on cost and coverage at the Medicare website on the web. This site offers lots of helpful information for seniors. Decide what plan you want for 2007. If you’re satisfied with your current plan, there is no need to re-enroll.
Labels: AARP, donut hole, Medicare Part D