Beyond the Dollar: Managing the Emotional Burden and Family Dynamics of Senior Care | EPISODE 17

Описание: In this episode of the Spotlight podcast about Senior Care, host Athena Quinones sits down with Francesca Vogel, partner at Hillendale Home Care. They move beyond "dollars and cents" to explore the holistic realities of the financial cost of aging parents.

From the "invisible" cost of lost career opportunities to the physical risks of falls at home, Francesca explains how family dynamics and mental health are affected by the caregiving journey. Whether you are navigating home care or considering senior living, this conversation provides the resources and roadmap you need to move from crisis mode to proactive planning.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The Reality of Lost Wages: How the average 55-year-old daughter loses significant income while acting as an unpaid caregiver.
Hidden Home Expenses: Why aging in place often requires expensive home modifications and safety upgrades to prevent falls.
The Emotional Toll: Navigating the emotional burden of caregiving and protecting your own mental health.
Estate Planning Essentials: Why a Power of Attorney (POA), a living trust, and a fiduciary are non-negotiable for aging parents.
Financial Lifelines: How to access VA Aid and Attendance, long-term care insurance, and palliative care resources.

🕒 Timestamps & Chapters:
0:00 – Intro: The holistic cost of senior care.
3:14 – The $100K Trap: Lost wages and the financial reality for adult children.
5:41 – The "Nest Egg" Dilemma: Why parents resist spending on their own care.
7:42 – The Conversation: Why you must plan while parents are still healthy.
9:30 – Hidden Costs: Home modifications, walkers, and emergency response systems.
11:59 – Aging in Place vs. Senior Living: Which is actually safer?
16:53 – The Continuum of Care: Combining home care with community living.
20:46 – Mental Health for Caregivers: Dealing with burnout and grief.
24:32 – The Risks of Hiring Private Caregivers vs. Professional Agencies.
29:04 – Family Dynamics: Managing sibling conflict and the importance of a POA.
36:17 – Unlocking Benefits: VA Aid and Attendance & Long-Term Care Insurance.
40:35 – Local East Bay Resources: Palliative care and support groups.

Key Resources Mentioned:
Estate & Financial Planning: Power of Attorney (POA), Fiduciaries (e.g., Marina Ware), and Living Trusts.
Professional Support: Geriatric Care Managers and Advisors on Aging.
Safety Systems: Vitalink Home Emergency Response.
Medical Resources: John Muir Palliative Care, Kaiser Memory Clinic, and CEI (Center for Elders’ Independence).
Support Groups: ALS Association, Parkinson’s Association, and Stroke Support Groups.


ABOUT FRANCESCA VOGEL OF HILLENDALE:

Francesca Vogel: [email protected]
Website: https://hillendalehomecare.com/
Instagram:   / hillendalehomecare  
Facebook:   / hillendalecare  
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hillendalehomecare/

ABOUT SPOTLIGHT PODCAST:
Spotlight brings you expert conversations on senior health, wellness, and quality of life. We connect you with healthcare professionals who are making a difference in senior living communities.

YouTube:    / @spotlightbyathenaquinones  
Apple Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/spotlight-by-athena-quinones/id1818136225
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/0E1iDvJaLXTicCYKwX6lbv?si=khbUIgFDTIi40nl7z_7G4g
Website: www.spotlightbyathenaquinones.com/podcast

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