Who Does the Caregiving When There Are No Kids?

Not everyone who needs caregiving has a family member to serve as caregiver. So what should a Boomer do when planning ahead? What resources might an elder law attorney recommend? Last October,  U.S. News Wellness ran a story on this topic, No Spouse, No Kids, No Caregiver: How to Prepare to Age Alone.  Referring to this group of our population as “elder orphans”, the article paints the serious implications for those aging without a family support system. One expert is quoted that “[t]he risk of potentially finding yourself without a support system – because the majority of care provided as we get older is provided by family – may be increasing….”  Factor in loneliness and the impact becomes even more serious “older adults who consider themselves lonely are more likely to have trouble completing daily tasks, experience cognitive decline, develop coronary heart disease and even die. Those who are socially isolated are also at risk for medical complications, mental illness, mobility issues and health care access problems.” The article contains 5 tips for planning to live independently, including speaking up about one’s situation, planning ahead now (here’s where the elder law attorney can be quite helpful), maintaining friendships while establishing new ones, name a health care agent (and do a DPOA, too)-the article gives a shout-out to elder law attorneys,  moving to a more livable community and live life well. 

The points in the article are still relevant today. Thanks to Julie Kitzmiller for sending me the article!