Taking Care of Your Aging Parents

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A Guide to Making the Wisest Senior-Living Choice

SCOTT GOLDSMITH—AURORA FOR USN&WR

Taking Care of Your Aging Parents

Nineteen million Americans care for someone over age 75, typically a parent or a grandparent, who may or may not live with them. Often called "informal caregivers," these adult children or relatives provide 75 to 80 percent of all long-term care in the United States. Many struggle to find a living situation that gives parents both the assistance they need and the independence they desire. Full story

Medicare Drug Plans: Seniors Can Now Switch or Sign Up

Long-Term Care Insurance

A Safety Net That Might Not Hold

When Betty Hoff moved into an assisted-living facility in Fowler, Calif., two years ago, the 86-year-old thought she didn't have anything to worry about financially because she had a long-term-care insurance policy. She was mistaken. Full story

Qualifying for Assistance

A Primer on the New Medicaid Rulebook

Most seniors probably realize that Medicare won't cover a long nursing-home stay. But many families will be shocked to learn that their state Medicaid program won't either—unless Mom and Dad are really, truly unable to pay. Find out why it's tougher than ever to qualify for help. Full story

Eldercare Benefits

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Need Help? Ask Your Employer

As baby boomers turn en masse from raising kids to tending parents, bosses—out of self-interest—are starting to offer support. In response, about one quarter have added "eldercare benefits" to their compensation packages. Full story

Online Resources

These websites offer tips and advice for adult children caring for aging parents:

www.eldercare.gov - The federal Eldercare Locator can put caregivers in touch with local senior services.
www.familycaregiving101.org - Two associations teamed up to help new caregivers learn the ins and outs of their roles.
www.longtermcare.gov - This new federal website spells out senior living alternatives and the various payment options.
www.medicare.gov/nhcompare - Compare nursing home quality data and find state inspection agencies at this federal website.
www.strengthforcaring.com - Connect and chat with other caregivers at this site, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.