Sandwich Generation News Fall 2002

For people sandwiched between aging parents and growing children

Provided by Lidke & Associates, Inc., 10 Inverness Dr E, Ste 110, Englewood, CO 80112-5611

A ROOM WITH A VIEW

Have you been locked in a small room, perhaps one without windows, or a closet with no way to communicate with the outside world? Perhaps it happened to you as a practical joke, but what if that was the way you had to spend your day time hours because you were elderly and depended on family members to provide that room or “closet”. According to Denver’s Elder Abuse Prevention Program, family, relatives and friends provide 80% of elder care. In some cases, the stresses of providing care may erupt into abusive behavior. In other cases, there may be an unresolved history of physical or emotional abuse, ongoing family problems or drug and/or alcohol abuse.

One of the reasons people purchase long term care insurance for themselves is so that they will not have to be dependent on their children for their long term care. The reason children purchase long term care insurance for parents is so they will not have to be the caretaker for aging parents. Often times the pooled resources of the siblings can pay for long term care insurance coverage for parents. One child alone may not be able to afford the coverage for a parent, but together two or more children can make a big difference in their parent’s future long term care choices. Alternatively, one child or several children and the parents can pool resources to purchase coverage. This takes the worry of being dependent away from the parent and removes the guilt from the children who have no room to care for aging parents; can’t afford to stay home from work to provide care; or have all they can handle raising their own children.

Statistics to consider:

ü The elderly represent the fastest growing segment of our population.

ü 84% of the abusers are relatives, 75% of them are living with the victim. Abusers fit no stereotype. They may be adult children, a spouse, a grandchild, a neighbor or even a trusted professional.

ü As many as 5 to 10% of the elderly will experience some kind of abuse: emotional, physical, financial or neglectful behavior.

If you’re a Relative, Friend, or Neighbor…….

You are in the best position of all to identify elder abuse. For the sake of those you care about, maintain close ties with them. If you have doubts or questions, call your local Elder Abuse Prevention Program. In Denver the number is 303-831-4043.

The State of Colorado has laws on elder abuse, and urges those who may become aware of it to report it. The bottom line is that elder abuse is often ignited by the frustrations and stress associated with too little money, too little time and demands too great for the caretaker to handle. Long term care insurance is a practical solution to affording appropriate long term care services when the need arises. Being prepared “takes the pressure off” those who are closest to us (and potentially takes the pressure off you at the same time). All of us would prefer a “Room With A View”, wouldn’t we?

Long Term Care Quote Request: http://www.lidke.com/forms/Surveyform.htm

Phone: 303-649-1922 OR 800-888-9084