Today’s Boomers

This morning, I read an article in the WALL STREET JOURNAL stating that more than 40 billions miles of driving were reduced on our highways over the last 7 months. This information comes from a recent Transportation Department report.

Americans slashed their driving by more than billions of miles because of the high cost for gasoline  and the report also indicated that Americans drove 3.7% fewer miles in the month of May than they did a year early.

That also means the reduction on our highways has now doubled since the 1.8% estimate that was reported in April.

Besides the reduction of gasoline at the pumps,  this also now indicates that Americans are paying less federal fuel taxes.

Here’s the real problem, the federal fuel tax money helps our States to finance highways and mass transit systems. Also, the price today for construction of these highways is increasing and the fuel needed to run transit systems could now make public transportation very expensive for today’s boomers.

Realistically, without Federal funding, many projects will soon start to be pared down or eliminated.

Is there a fix in the future:

Yesterday, I heard on CNN that we could possibly see $3.00 a gallon for gasoline by September, and I would like to know how this has impacted you personally and what solutions you see for the future. 

How is this impacting our seniors and emergency transport companies?

According to the National Council on Aging the phrase “The Quiet Problems at Work” was coined to describe the growing amount of middle age Americans now being “sandwiched” between caring for their own families and an aging home-bound parent.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services predicts that the total number of employed caregivers, also referred to as the “sandwich generation” is expected to surge to nearly 15.6 million Americans.

Employees caring for older relatives is costing employers $29 billion each year.

The stress associated with striving to be a good parent, managing a successful career and being a responsible caregiver is extremely overwhelming. Unfortunately, many of these individuals are just not prepared to deal with problems involving an aging parent.

Studies prove that while employee caregivers may be physically at work, they are really mentally absent. Main Line Elder Care Associates understands how this leads to a decrease in productivity and higher turnovers.  

Main Line Elder Care Associates located in Wayne, Pennsylvania understands the importance of providing employees with information regarding ways to make it possible to achieve their goals more efficiently and with less stress. Our programs were designed to reduce absenteeism and reduce turnovers.   

For more information, call Main Line Elder Care Associates at 610-2667 or visit us online at www.mainlineeldercare.com.

Let MLECA help you find the right solution to your problem, email us at info@mainlineeldercare.com

Helen C. Hopkinson, J.D., President and CEO, Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc., writes articles regarding elder issues which appear in her blog and newsletters. She has appeared as an expert on TV and radio to discuss the problems facing employee caregivers, healthcare management needs, care plans and many other subjects involving the elderly or disabled. She is a graduate of John Marshall Law School, a certified Arbitrator and Mediator. She co-founded MLECA with Brenda M. Hanna, BS, RNFA and dedicated to serving clients in the Philadelphia area and surrounding counties.

MLECA is the recipient of the CitiCorp’s Boost Award for 2007.

Member, National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, Inc. 

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Main Line Elder Care Associates provide a one-time consultation or ongoing care management.

RN Care Managers work with older people and their families to promote independence and provide a safe and supportive living environment.

MLECA Associates provide an invaluable source of support and assistance in times of crisis or day-to-day living.

Assessments

Geriatric Care Managers meet with elders, their families and other concerned parties to assess the safety, care needs and emotional well-being of the elder.

MLECA employs a state-of-the-art program that was specifically designed to enhance quality of life.

Based on that state-of-art assessment, a comprehensive Plan of Care is developed: 

Research appropriate housing

Recommend homecare services

Identify relevant community resources

Assess mental health needs

MLECA ongoing care management begins once the Plan of Care has been implemented.

Our RN Care Managers find, interview and manage home care services.

MLECA placement services follow through on housing applications to moving. Our Associates help with the move and make connections for you to enjoy community resources. MLECA accompanies the elder to medical appointments and report back to family members or concerned parties regarding their well-being. The assessments include geriatric psychiatry evaluations, in-home safety evaluations, education and counseling.

MLECA monitors the ongoing appropriateness of the care plan but never charges you for another assessment. Our Care Managers employ specialized care management for Parkinson’s disease, alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.

Our care managers are available for additional programming for caregivers, including in-service trainings, support groups, lectures and consultations to assisted living facilities, rehabs and nursing home and dementia units. 

MLECA works with Employee Assistance Programs to help bridge the employment gap and relieve some of the stress from employee-caregivers.

MLECA assists Wealth Management teams with their fudiciary duties when working with the elderly since aging brings a change of pace and many “new challengs.” We understands that good care and loving support makes all the difference.

MLECA navigates corporations and individuals thru this journey.

To learn more about MLECA services and fee structure call 610-688-2667 or visit us at www.mainlineeldercare.com  

On Saturday, June 9, 2007 in Philadelphia on 1540 AM radio, Helen Hopkinson, J.D., President/CEO addressed some important questions to ask your aging parents regarding finances and Medicare issues.

Now, here are some other questions to consider:

1. Whether to move and where - that should be your next question.
2. Do they understand the level of care that is needed?

Also, it is important that you understand some of the consequences and responsibilities should the elder want to remain at home or move because this decision will definitely impact the entire family.

Therefore, the level of care may include living at home independently, with a part time aide, full time or live in assistance, in the home of a relative, an “over 55 community”. continuing care retirement community, assisted living/personal care facility or a nursing home.

Main Line Elder Care Associates recommends that in selecting a residence that you apply these decision factors:

• Care
• Climate/Geography
• Customer Service
• Culture
• Cost and Contract   

Please feel free to contact Main Line Elder Care Associates, Inc., at info@mainlineeldercare.com or call 610-688-2667 to assist with any placements.

MLECA provides:

Comprehensive assessments 

Geriatric Care Managers 

Care plans

Certified Companions

Full time/part time aides 

 Nurses

Counseling

End of Life Planning

Main Line Elder Care is a member of the Main Line Chamber of Commerce and the recipient of the 2007 Boost Award from Citibank and CitiFinancial Group.

Call today

MLECA is committed to helping the disabled and elderly maintain their independence and comfort at home.