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In reply to the discussion: Older Americans cope with shock and stress as vaccine effort overlooks them [View all]KentuckyWoman
(6,666 posts)I hear you. I really do. My empathy goes out to you regarding stubborn parents who created hardships. I've been there.
Most people in their 50's or 60's don't understand how much harder it gets in late 70's, 80's or older. The decline accelerates, and it is not at all uncommon to become "pedestrian" in life. Without someone highly motivated to keep an eye on things, older people living alone very often end up in situations. The costs to move are ridiculously high, and buying help to come in is a maze and expensive too.
Here is a lady with some outside support, but not enough. She thinks she's sharp, but she isn't. She obviously lacks the ability to fight for herself. She is not alone. There are millions of her. That's the reality and I am glad attention is being called to it. I'd like to see us fix this so when the 50 and 60 somethings hit their 80's we aren't still in the same underfunded, overworked situation.
Edit to add that you have my deep respect. Full time caregiving is a really hard job especially adding to full time work. ON that score, I have been there. It's HARD.