How caring for an older relative impacts life, finances and health

Finding or providing care for an older adult will almost certainly touch many of us at some point, especially as people live longer.

Estimates are that by 2034, there will be more adults 65 and older than children under 18, for the first time in U.S. history. As aging adults are living longer, those who require care will need it for longer. Yet, fewer than 10 percent of Americans are saving and planning specifically for long-term care and many family caregivers are doing so without adequate and affordable services and supports in place to manage the financial, legal, and health impact on their lives. Most caregivers are women in the prime of their lives with spouses, children and careers — who are also putting in 20-plus hours a week taking care of an older relative, unpaid.

In this episode, we talk to family caregivers and their older relatives about the challenges and joys of being care partners in the aging process. We’ll also hear from advocates and geriatric professionals who provide support and resources to help improve the culture of care in Middle Tennessee.

But first, we talk with WPLN health care reporter Catherine Sweeney about a new CDC report that ranks Tennessee among the worst states in the nation for maternal mortality.

Guests:

• Heather Bogdal, relative caregiver of mother, Janet Olsen
• Janet Olsen, care recipient, mother of Heather Bogdal
• Grace Sutherland Smith, executive director of AgeWell Middle Tennessee
• Rebecca Redd, geriatrics professional/eldercare coach for AgeWell Middle Tennessee
• Deanna Walker, relative caregiver of both parents

Additional Resources: 

• Fifty Forward, a local nonprofit providing care for aging adults and respite for their caregivers
• Tennessee Respite Coalition 

This episode was produced by LaTonya Turner and Elizabeth Burton.