Article: Who will take care of you when you
can't?
By
Andrea Reynolds. Copyright 2009. All rights reserved by the
author.
This is on my mind as I
act as my father's patient advocate and chauffeur to doctor
appointments. I am his only child who has lived for most of
her adult life in another country. My Kindness Experiment
Tour across the US was cut short so I could return to my
hometown when I learned that Dad was diagnosed with early
Alzheimer's and his wife had fallen and broken her
shoulder.
So, a month before my 60th birthday I'm considering my
options for when I'm not as capable, mentally and
physically. I have no partner, children, cousins, nieces or
nephews, or siblings on whom I can count.
But some possibilities are:
1. Marry a younger man who is devoted and kind.
2. Make a ton of money in the next ten years so I can
afford around-the-clock, private care.
3. "Adopt" a younger couple who will look after me in later
years.
4. Get in great shape now, mentally and physically, so I'll
have many more years of good health which will buy me more
time to save money for health care.
5. Take in a (younger) boarder for free now in exchange for
my care later.
6. Leave a substantial inheritance for the person or couple
who steps in to care for me.
7. Look after additional elderly people who are family-less
(good karma) for the next ten years and maybe inherit
enough to cover my own later-year care.
8. Purchase sufficient long term health insurance so I
don't have to think about it.
9. Move back to Canada where medical care is free.
10. Last resort: Plan to live on social assistance
(Medicaid).
I'll add more ideas as they pop into my head. Feel free to
send me your ideas:
1. Email: crisiswriter@gmail.com
2. Tweet: www.Twitter.com/ReynoldsIntl