Thanks for that perspective, Chrissie. Many Americans recognized we're not even close to being world leaders in social policy, but I wasn't aware that Australia provided a model of ways to do it better.
Thanks for the article. As we live longer the challenges mount.even if you are financially able it can still be difficult, I understand, to secure assistance for those who want to live in their homes…assistance that is trustworthy caring and compassionate.
Don, this is such an important article, thank you. The high cost of housing and of daily “help” for those over 65 (but really over 75 and 85 and 90) is almost unimaginable. It’s the elephant in the room that we need to talk about. At least in the U.S. My almost 93-year-old father is well off. That is the only way he can afford the round-the-clock care that we organize for him.
Thank you for that Don, what the government needs to do is follow the system in Australia that is actually a democracy. Not perfect, but light years ahead of the USA which our last stupid and corrupt Liberal government aped like self-serving short sighted idiots: Taxpayers' money goes back to the people in free healthcare, free education and free services. BAM! There's the problems of the entire country solved in one big policy change! No dying in debt, people sleeping the streets, and the population acquiring a bit of essential knowledge about the rest of the world. And no, the USA is not the world, or leader of the free world (propaganda) but we all outside your country look at the racism and slave culture that still exists with great sadness.
You are so right, Don. This burgeoning catastrophe cannot be overestimated. And medical advances which increase longevity isn't helping. Living longer will mean more healthcare and housing costs . It is beyond me why governments are refusing to prepare for this inevitable tsunami.
The United States Congress, together with many federal and state agencies refuse to strengthen the health and human services safety net. A departure from other developed nations worldwide, the racism, ageism and other prejudices create a message, ‘you are on your own’.
I find that I can envision creative solutions to care if I don't require full-time support. But when I imagine being in a situation where I need 24/7 care, I'm at a loss.
Thanks for that perspective, Chrissie. Many Americans recognized we're not even close to being world leaders in social policy, but I wasn't aware that Australia provided a model of ways to do it better.
Thanks for the article. As we live longer the challenges mount.even if you are financially able it can still be difficult, I understand, to secure assistance for those who want to live in their homes…assistance that is trustworthy caring and compassionate.
Don, this is such an important article, thank you. The high cost of housing and of daily “help” for those over 65 (but really over 75 and 85 and 90) is almost unimaginable. It’s the elephant in the room that we need to talk about. At least in the U.S. My almost 93-year-old father is well off. That is the only way he can afford the round-the-clock care that we organize for him.
Thank you, Debbie. Yes, it's hard even for the affluent.
Thank you for that Don, what the government needs to do is follow the system in Australia that is actually a democracy. Not perfect, but light years ahead of the USA which our last stupid and corrupt Liberal government aped like self-serving short sighted idiots: Taxpayers' money goes back to the people in free healthcare, free education and free services. BAM! There's the problems of the entire country solved in one big policy change! No dying in debt, people sleeping the streets, and the population acquiring a bit of essential knowledge about the rest of the world. And no, the USA is not the world, or leader of the free world (propaganda) but we all outside your country look at the racism and slave culture that still exists with great sadness.
The only thing I can add to this conversation is, "Aargh!"
Me too!
You are so right, Don. This burgeoning catastrophe cannot be overestimated. And medical advances which increase longevity isn't helping. Living longer will mean more healthcare and housing costs . It is beyond me why governments are refusing to prepare for this inevitable tsunami.
The United States Congress, together with many federal and state agencies refuse to strengthen the health and human services safety net. A departure from other developed nations worldwide, the racism, ageism and other prejudices create a message, ‘you are on your own’.
This topic is discussed with little compassion.
I find that I can envision creative solutions to care if I don't require full-time support. But when I imagine being in a situation where I need 24/7 care, I'm at a loss.
It is hard to hold any other opinion. Thanks, Jacqueline.
Thank you, Kathy, for contributing to the conversation.