Family Disruptions From Caregiving (05:13)

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It is challenging for their children to balance caregiving, life, and work when caring for aging parents. Anthony Lee describes the development of his mother's Alzheimer's disease and his sense of duty to care for her. His mother's declining mind was too much for him to manage alone so he asked his wife to help, but this has been hard on his marriage.

Caregiving Interrupts Careers (04:49)

Breanna Olson had to choose between pursuing her career and caring for her mother; daily she struggles to balance time with her mother and time for herself. When Olson's mother and father were diagnosed with serious illnesses, the family had financial concerns as well. Caregiving is on average a four-year endeavor, and the rate of Alzheimer's patients is increasing.

Medical Advocate for Caregivers (03:46)

When Alicia Zepeda-Cervantes's mother had a serious stroke, Alicia immediately began caring for her full time. Insurance covers some medical costs, but few daily care costs. Ana Diaz visits Latino caregivers and helps them keep up with laws and takes patients to appointments.

Sacrifices for Working Moms (03:33)

More working adults are caring for their parents than ever, most of them women. Mary Ellen McCartney started taking care of her parents, and as the hours increased, she neglected self-care. She explains that she had to help her parents let things go, while limiting herself as well.

Patient Independence and Resistance to Care (07:12)

Janet Wolfe was independent up until her 97th year, when she had a fall. Her family hired geriatric care to absorb some responsibilities, but Wolfe is resistant to care. Wolfe's daughter feels guilty about not spending more time with her mother, but balancing her personal life with caregiving is difficult.

Costs of Caregiving (04:21)

When her mother became ill, Jane Gross struggled to accept the responsibility. She explains that people live too long now, often with multiple chronic diseases, and care is expensive. Seniors want to live independently at home, but there are no systems or policies in place for family caregiving.

Overcoming Family Conflict (04:50)

Rochelle Harris, Anthony Lee's sister, came to help care for their mother, Odester. Harris' children each help care for Odester, and adult day services supplements activities and care. Lee and Harris conflicted over the use of finances, enrolled in an intervention program for caregivers, which provides counseling.

Balancing Work and Caregiving (02:59)

Zepeda-Cervantes struggled to make enough money to care for her mother before she discovered a Medicaid waiver program in Minnesota that supplements caregiver income. Ai-Jen Poo argues that people should not have to choose between caring for a parent and keeping their job; employers need to acknowledge family needs. Olson works for Target, which started a program prioritizing flexibility and supporting family caregivers.

Supplemental Home Care for Seniors (07:21)

Southwestern Ohio voted on a tax to help vulnerable seniors at home. Suzanne Burke explains that the funds provide a safety net for seniors not eligible for Medicaid but unable to afford services they need to be able to stay at home. Home health aides supported by the program can augment caregiver's responsibilities so they can keep their jobs.

Facilitating Communication About Final Wishes (07:08)

Bud Hammes works with caregivers and senior patients to support conversations about end-of-life decisions. McCartney explains how communicating with her father relieved her of the burden of making decisions for him. After going through end-of-life planning with his mother, Don Weber decided to share the service with his employees and support their family needs.

Rewards and Challenges of Caring for Parents (02:29)

Olson helps organizes a football game to raise money for the Alzheimer's Association. She explains that while she cannot save for a house because she is supporting her mother, she appreciates the time she spends with her parents. Caregivers give back to the parents who raised them, valuing the moments of connection despite the challenges.

Credits: Caring for Mom & Dad (00:34)

Credits: Caring for Mom & Dad