Caregiving Journey with Kelley G; Navigating Parents' Finances and Dad's Facility Move

In this episode of The Care Table podcast, Kelley Griesmer shares her heartfelt journey navigating elder care for her father during his health decline, exacerbated by the pandemic. She discusses the challenges of securing suitable care facilities, the critical role of financial and legal planning, and the emotional weight of caregiving. Kelley emphasizes the importance of early, open conversations about finances and care preferences with aging parents. Her practical advice—such as leveraging professional guidance and managing family dynamics—offers a roadmap for others facing similar challenges, while stressing the need to accept one’s limitations as a caregiver.

Takeaways:

The pandemic worsened health challenges for aging parents, particularly mobility issues.
Rehabilitation facilities may fall short in meeting care needs.
Early financial planning is essential for informed elder care decisions.
Legal tools, like power of attorney and trusts, protect assets and streamline care.
Family dynamics can complicate caregiving; open communication is key.
Caregivers should seek professional help without guilt to manage responsibilities.
Proactive planning reduces stress for both caregivers and their loved ones.

Sound Bites:

"The pandemic made everything harder for my father’s care."
"You can’t fix every problem, and that’s okay."
"Give yourself grace as a caregiver—it’s a tough journey."

Products/Books/Resources:

AARP Caregiving Resources - Practical guides for caregivers: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/landing/
National Institute on Aging: Legal and Financial Planning - Tips on power of attorney and trusts:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advanc...

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Elder Care Challenges
03:04 - Impact of Inactivity on Aging Parents
06:07 - Healthcare Struggles During the Pandemic
08:58 - Finding the Right Care Facility
11:51 - Financial Planning for Elder Care
14:51 - Legal Tools: Power of Attorney and Trusts
18:11 - Navigating Family Dynamics in Caregiving
20:46 - Reflecting on the Caregiving Journey
24:25 - Overcoming Hospital Care Obstacles
27:27 - Preparing Financially for Care Needs
30:36 - Using Trusts to Secure Assets
35:47 - Managing Caregiver Guilt and Expectations
41:40 - Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind

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