Minnesota has the largest percentage of informal cargivers in the nation. As much as a 1% decline in our number of volunteer cargivers would cost our health system millions of dollars.
All of our state programs had to take a cut this year. None of us want to see "our programs" take a hit. I, of course, was very concerned about Minnesota seniors when the new budget was revealed. Governer Pawlenty actually spared Minnesota seniors from a disproportionate number of financial cuts, which I was relieved to see.
A survey conducted by AgingCare found that although adult children are often responsible for paying for their aging parent's care, the large majority of caregivers are vastly unprepared.
The survey found:
63% of caregivers have no plan as to how they will pay for their parent's care over the next five years.
62% say the cost of caring for a parent has impacted their ability to plan for their own financial future.
As a Senior Real Estate Specialist I meet with a lot of adult children who have been the primary caretaker for aging parents, often in their parent's home. I see how tired and concerned you are.
Please, go call a Geriatric Care Manager. Aging Care's survey does not detail which state the survey respondents were from. We are SO lucky to have the resources we have in Minnesota--despite all of the budget cuts. You do not have to be as tired or as responsible.
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