More Baby Boomers Dealing With Aging Parents - Greatplacesinc.com Provides Support

Minnetonka, MN - Baby boomers in the US are living longer and healthier ybut many are also facing something they are often ill equipped for - dealing with aging parents. Of the more than 76,000,000 baby boomers many are in a caregiving role to their aging parents. Most are unprepared for the cost, emotional toll, and health issues they face as caregivers.

greatplacesinc.com is a website designed as a resource for senior housing and care and a place to find answers to common issues that arise.

"We created Great Places to help ease the pain for the millions who are caring for their aging parents. Our parents live much longer and are often healthier than previous generations, but their vision, muscles, hearing and memory may fail. They will progressively need some help," says Kathleen Harmon, CEO and president of Great Places Inc.

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP there are approximately 45 million caregivers who provide unpaid care to another adult. Almost six in ten (59 percent) of these caregivers work or have worked while providing care. To do that, the've had to make some adjustments to their work life. They may be late to work more often, take vacation or other leave or even be forced to quit their jobs to care for elderly parents.

The cost of caring for aging parents keeps rising. According to USAToday "the average nursing home patient runs out of money within six months and must go on Medicaid. That will not only bankrupt individuals but also the Medicaid system."

"The care choices available to seniors are enormous and can be overwhelming. Matching wants and needs with affordability can be daunting. GreatPlacesInc.com is a website where people can find answers, guidance, support, and information during this important life transition," Harmon said.

The AARP reports that the typical caregiver is a 46-year-old female who works outside the home. She may be a daughter, daughter-in-law, aunt or niece. She makes adjustments to her work schedule to accommodate her role as a caregiver. She cuts the hours she works and therefore her salary, future social security benefits, and often her health benefits. Emotionally and financially it can be an expensive time.

It's an issue that Harmon is familiar with. "My own father passed away in a skilled nursing facility several years ago, and now my mother needs additional help. I know the challenges that adult children of aging parents face. We founded Great Places Inc out of a desire to help families create long, healthy lives, and strong relationships."

Greatplacesinc.com provides baby boomers who have aging parents with these useful products:

• A senior housing directory. The directory has photos, lists of services, amenities, and video interviews with residents and customers. The senior housing options range from in-home care to nursing homes, transitional care, to assisted living and is available in all 50 states.
• Life Transitions Toolkit. This is twelve chapters of advice and counsel written especially for Boomers. The toolkit includes such topics as how to minimize the regret, anxiety, and guilt when choosing housing options for aging parents. It gives ideas for adapting to new roles and the financial and legal issues people often face.
• A blog and monthly newsletters frequently updated with news relating to elderly care, medical breakthroughs, and humor.

SOURCE: Great Places Inc.