Such a significant article. Caring about the fate of immigrants is a matter of social justice--and a matter of self-interest, for those of us who are olders (or olders in training). Thank you, Don, for connecting those dots.
My one remaining first cousin (91 years old) is being transferred out of the senior housing that he likes into a VA home. Money is running out. I'm very concerned about the level of care he can expect with the shortfalls at the VA. Your point about the connection between healthcare and immigration policy is interesting and disturbing.
The plan I am considering is to compensate friends to take on critical roles in my care. It may take the shape of a TOD bank account, a monthly retainer, making them an insurance or investment beneficiary, etc. Primary point will be establishing & aligning expectations on both sides; perhaps exploration with an estate lawyer to troubleshoot pitfalls. I don't expect this to be easy, but I'm running out of options as family members die or move out of the country.
Do any of these studies and their statistics take into account the death rate of elders? You mentioned 400K health care workers were lost during COVID. Was that through resignation or death of workers? Also, what is the ratio between that number of the number of elderly people who died due to COVID etc? You're right about the immigration policies being a problem now for hiring workers. Not only does that include aide workers but also doctors and RNs. There are immigrants from all over the world, including eastern Europe to help in hospitals and long-term care. Our leaders not looking at the big picture.
Such a significant article. Caring about the fate of immigrants is a matter of social justice--and a matter of self-interest, for those of us who are olders (or olders in training). Thank you, Don, for connecting those dots.
Excellent. So true. Depressing.
My one remaining first cousin (91 years old) is being transferred out of the senior housing that he likes into a VA home. Money is running out. I'm very concerned about the level of care he can expect with the shortfalls at the VA. Your point about the connection between healthcare and immigration policy is interesting and disturbing.
The plan I am considering is to compensate friends to take on critical roles in my care. It may take the shape of a TOD bank account, a monthly retainer, making them an insurance or investment beneficiary, etc. Primary point will be establishing & aligning expectations on both sides; perhaps exploration with an estate lawyer to troubleshoot pitfalls. I don't expect this to be easy, but I'm running out of options as family members die or move out of the country.
Wendl, that’s a creative solution. I’d love to know how it works out.
Do any of these studies and their statistics take into account the death rate of elders? You mentioned 400K health care workers were lost during COVID. Was that through resignation or death of workers? Also, what is the ratio between that number of the number of elderly people who died due to COVID etc? You're right about the immigration policies being a problem now for hiring workers. Not only does that include aide workers but also doctors and RNs. There are immigrants from all over the world, including eastern Europe to help in hospitals and long-term care. Our leaders not looking at the big picture.
Very powerful piece!