Paying for Senior Living and Care

For women, eldercare should not mean sacrificing your careerMany women, especially those in mid-career, find themselves facing the difficult decision of whether to leave the workforce to care for aging parents. The demands of eldercare can pile up with little warning or predictability and quickly become overwhelming. The "easiest" solution for many women in this position may seem like stepping away from their professional lives altogether.However, leaving the workforce can have long-term, unseen consequencesfinancially, emotionally, and professionally. Before women make this decision, we want to bring to light to some of the costs of stepping away, as well as share options that are available to help women care for aging parents or loved ones without sacrificing their career.The elephant in the room - what about men?It's a systemic problem that the large majority of caregiving responsibilities fall on women. We believe fully this should not be the case - and will continue to advocate for a future where men and women are expected to share, and do share, these responsibilities more equally. That said, this article is going to focus on the impact of eldercare on women, and options available, because the data shows the women are the ones who are much more likely to pay the price of eldercare.Female caregivers are more likely than males to ask for a less demanding job, take unpaid leave, or give up work entirely to support caregivingWomen lose an estimated $325K over their lifetime due to caregivingThe Unseen Costs of Leaving the WorkforceWomen who exit the workforce early face immediate income loss, diminished retirement savings, and a reduction in Social Security benefits. AARP reports that caregivers can expect to spend an average of $7K annually on out-of-pocket expenses.Additionally, exiting the workforce comes with professional setbacks that may be hard to recover from. Studies show that women who take time off for caregiving often find it difficult to re-enter their fields, and when they do, they may face lower wages, fewer opportunities for advancement, or the need to start in less demanding roles.The Unseen Costs of "Daughterhood"A less recognized aspect of womens caregiving burden is eldercare (i.e. daughterhood), which is frequently overshadowed by the attention given to childcare (i.e. motherhood). While businesses have made strides in supporting working mothers, they have largely ignored the unique challenges posed by eldercare. The emotional and physical toll of eldercare, which often includes managing chronic illnesses, dementia, and end-of-life care, cannot be underestimated.According to the Federal Reserve, four times as many people have left the workforce due to adult caregiving compared to childcare, yet corporate policies and benefits packages rarely address these realities.Why You Shouldn't Quit: There Are OptionsBalancing work, children, aging parents, mental and physical health, a "clean" home, and the semblance of a social life - it's simply not sustainable. It would make Superwoman run for the exit. It's no wonder that women leave their jobs in order to quickly take something off their plate. But before putting in your notice, let's talk about resources and options that may be available.Workplace Benefits: Find out what your company offers. Some offer paid caregiver leave, flexible work schedules, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide counseling and eldercare resources.Even if your employer is moving away from remote work post-pandemic, you can advocate for more flexibility, such as flexible hours or a partial work-from-home arrangement.According to experts, a flexible workplace arrangement is often the most important factor for caregivers trying to juggle their professional and personal lives.External Support Systems: there are local and national organizations that can provide assistance. Naborforce is one of these organizations - our founder Paige Wilson lived all of the stark truths discussed in this article, and that is why she decided to do something about it! And if Naborforce isn't in your area or isn't an option for you - there are other resources to check out: care.com, Bright Horizons, home care agencies, caregiving forums, etc.Note: Naborforce partners with employers to provide discounted hourly rates. If your employer doesn't have Naborforce as an option, reach out to us and we will see if there is an opportunity to collaborate!Talk to your people: Many organizations are beginning to create employee resource groups for caregivers, offering a safe space to share experiences and tips for managing eldercare. These groups can be a lifeline for employees who feel isolated in their caregiving roles.Making Eldercare an Employee BenefitEmployers play a crucial role in supporting women who are caregivers. Unfortunately, 79% of caregivers do not have access to benefits that support them in this role.Supporting working women is not just about helping parents; its about addressing the needs of adult daughters (and sons) who are balancing caregiving with their professional lives. As 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S., this challenge is only going to grow. Employers must adapt to this reality if they want to retain top female talent.The Bottom Line: You Have OptionsWhile caregiving can feel like an all-consuming role, women should not have to choose between their careers and their families. By tapping into workplace benefits, seeking flexible arrangements, and exploring external resources, women can navigate the challenges of eldercare without sacrificing their professional futures.A Helping Hand for Older Adults - Naborforce 844-696-2267 Were Naborforce. We match older adults who need a little help and kindness with Nabors eager to provide it, strengthening the communities we serve.Everyone can use a little help. Help around the house. Help running errands. Help preparing a meal. Help by just being a friend! Our goal is to promote joyous and independent aging and living while providing peace of mind to families.

Moving to a new place is never easy, and it is even harder for our elders. The thought of leaving their home and familiar surroundings can be overwhelming. However, sometimes, its necessary for them to move into an independent living community to ensure their safety, comfort, and well-being. There are multiple independent living communities in Florida, making it challenging to choose the best one for your loved one. This blog post guides how to choose the right independent living community in Florida that meets your loved ones needs.An Initial Step: Identifying Your Loved Ones Personal NeedsAssess Your Loved Ones Needs: Before choosing an independent living community, assess your loved ones needs, including their health, mobility, social life, and budget. Speak to their doctor and caregiver to get a clear understanding of their medical needs. Find out how independent they want to be and what activities they are interested in.Importance of Location: Proximity and ConvenienceThe next crucial thing to consider is the location of the independent living community. Ensure the communitys location is convenient for you and your loved one. Inquire about the communitys proximity to hospitals, grocery stores, and other essential services. The availability of transportation services is also an important consideration.Variety of Amenities: Catering to Specific PreferencesDifferent Independent living communities offer varied amenities. Its essential to compile a list of amenities crucial to your loved ones well-being and compare different communities offerings. These amenities may range from a fitness center, spa, swimming pool, and wellness programs. Ensure that the community can cater to all your loved ones needs.Staff Quality and Services: Ensuring Professional CareThe quality of staff and services offered in the community is also an important consideration. The community should have professional caregivers who are available 24/7 and a personalized care plan for each resident. Its essential to inquire how the community ensures the safety and security of its residents. Check on the ratio of staff to residents to ensure they provide adequate care.The Power of Reviews: Leveraging Experiences of OthersFinally, research and read online reviews of each independent living community you are considering. These reviews can help you gauge how happy the residents are, the standard of care and professionalism, and other critical aspects. A community with multiple positive reviews is likely to be a good fit for your loved one.Conclusion: Navigating the Selection Process with Confidence and AssistanceThe process of finding the perfect independent living community in Florida for your loved one can undoubtedly seem daunting. However, its crucial to remember that the primary goal is ensuring their happiness, security, and well-being. With a clear understanding of their needs, preferences, and the essential factors to consider, such as location, amenities, staff and services, and reviews, youre well-equipped to make an informed decision.But you dont have to navigate this challenging process alone. Involving an experienced elder law attorney can provide invaluable assistance, from long-term care planning to estate planning. They can guide you on leveraging government benefits like Medicaid Long-Term Care to cover nursing home costs, preserving your loved ones assets for their heirs, and avoiding probate. Armed with all these resources and knowledge, you can help your loved one transition seamlessly into a new stage in life that offers comfort and security and caters to their specific needs and preferences.At Mortellaro Law, we practice elder law and offer personalized services designed to provide peace of mind to you and your family. We will take the time to understand your unique situation and help you meet all of your needs. Our team of experienced attorneys and staff can help; schedule a free consultation today to learn more.If youre in the Tampa Bay area and are interested in estate planning, long-term care planning, or asset protection, consider joining our free monthly seminars. While part of our focus is on guiding you in finding the ideal independent living community in Florida for a loved one, we also provide valuable insights into a wide array of topics. These include general estate planning, strategies for long-term care, and effective methods for asset protection. Dont miss this chance to broaden your understanding and make informed decisions. Click here to sign up for our next seminar.

Offering a short-term stay or respite program allows guests the opportunity to experience our community without any long-term commitment and offers caregivers some time to do, well whatever they need to do. It is important for caregivers to get a break now and then, and short-term stays is a great guilt-free option. Guests are charged a day rate with a minimum and maximum stay, and the community offers full access to amenities, dining, activities and, typically, a fully furnished apartment. Short-term stays provide a number of benefits to guests and their caregivers:Recovery/Rehabilitation Stay:There may come a time in our lives when we are in need of assistance, particularly as we get older. If you or a loved one has just come out of the hospital, rehabilitation clinic or other healthcare facility, a short-term stay can provide a place to go to have caring and compassionate nurses manage your medication, assist with activities of daily living, and help you to recover. This can be a great option if a caregiver works and may not have the time needed to care for their loved one when they need more immediate and regular attention post-hospitalization.Family Caregiver AbsenceSometimes caregivers may need to be absent for an extended period of time or may feel the need for a break from the stress of caregiving. Maybe a much-needed vacation is in order or work may pull a caregiver away, whatever the reason, a short-term respite stay can give caregivers peace of mind and flexibility, giving our new guest the opportunity to participate in exciting activities, enjoy restaurant-style dining and not have to worry about doing the dishes or cleaning the house as all of these services and more are provided!Trial StayMaking the decision to move to a senior community, no matter how beautiful, fun, exciting and caring it may be, is a very big and at times, an intimidating and scary experience. Signing the Lease Agreement adds to that scary thought. What if you could try it, before you commit? Our respite program allows you to do just that. Our respite guests experience community life with all the amenities, care services, full-service dining, and a wide range of activities and events that our residents enjoy every day!Valuable SocializationThere are great benefits to living at a community. As we age, socialization and interaction become essential to keep our minds and bodies healthy. Getting involved and meeting people adds purpose and meaning to the day as you meet your neighbors for dinner or an activity, attend an exercise class, or go on outings with friends. Many times, living alone at home or even with loved ones, doesnt provide that level of independence. Respite stays, while just a short-term solution, give guests a glimpse into a more active social life that is all their own.For each type of stay you will have access to the following accommodations:A private studio or one bedroom apartment with an emergency call system right at your fingertips!Weekly housekeeping and linen services.Scheduled local transportation for community outings, personal appointments and/or errands.Table side dining with chef prepared meals available in the dining room or with room service. (please specify any special dietary needs, food allergies etc.)24-hour staffingA diverse calendar of events and activities geared to provide opportunities to learn, socialize, worship, create and stay fit!  Most of all to have FUN!No matter which option you choose Or mission is to ensure you will leave us with a spring in your step, a gleam in your eye and a smile on your face! Relaxed and Rejuvenated!! Secure in your knowledge that no matter what your circumstance or need, you will always be part of our Meridian Family!! Because we truly believe that