Things Seven: CareGiving It Your Best Shot

Humans are living and working longer than ever before. Our parents have a much better chance of living well into their 80s, 90s, and beyond. But the Golden Years aren't so golden for many seniors who are barely scraping by.  Their retirement years are filled with health issues, medical bills, ailments and maladies of all kinds, often compounded by feelings of loneliness and isolation--and memory loss. The burdens they are faced with are overwhelming, and living an independent life is difficult. They are in need of caregivers who can help them navigate their way through the doctor's visits, surgeries, medical tests and procedures. In most cases, those caregivers are family members--usually the adult children in the family. And most of them have no clue how demanding caregiving can be, what is expected 2of them in helping mom or dad. They become the parent, as mom or dad's mental and physical health deteriorate. We talk with three individuals who have either been caregivers or are currently taking care of mom or dad, and we learn the ins and outs of being a Caregiver in the US in the 21st century. And we offer guidance and direction to important resources for your loved one. It's all in CareGiveing It Your Best Shot, on this episode of Things.