Resources to Help with Aging Parents

Resources to Help with Aging Parents

March 02, 2023

There are lots of positives to adulthood. You make your own money, you make your own rules, and you make your own decisions. But with that freedom comes responsibility too, and some are harder than others. Particularly difficult is the obligation of what’s known as “the sandwich generation,” or people who are caring for aging parents and children simultaneously. When we have kids, we quickly become experts in juggling our new normal. But even though we’ve had our parents in our lives for ages, caring for them is typically something new. The job requirements range from healthcare to financial planning to estate law to home handyman…and that’s not even a complete list.

Having worked with many clients who’ve suddenly found themselves in the sandwich generation, there are some resources that can help as long as you know where to look.

First, take some time to explore these online government resources:

  • Benefits.gov - Visit the official benefits website of the U.S. government, with information on more than 1,000 benefit and assistance programs.
  • The Administration on Aging - The Federal advocate agency for older adults and their concerns.
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - The FDA’s database covers every drug approved by the agency, listing active ingredients, the purpose of the medication, dosing recommendations, side effects, and conflicts.

These sites are an excellent place to start your education. Then, as your parents advance further in the aging process, look at Family Caregiving advice from AARP. This online resource for senior caregiving offers helpful tips and support (for caregivers too) as older folks become less independent.

Being right in the middle of a generational sandwich is a challenging task. So let’s connect, and together, we can develop a plan that makes good sense for you and your family. You may reach me by phone at (804) 665-1589, by e-mail to kmurphy@capfs.com or you may access my Outlook calendar here to request a time to speak in person or by phone or Zoom.