Morning Air host John Morales has firsthand experience caring for aging parents when a sudden fall, a medical diagnosis, or “another unexpected event” throws a family into crisis. Overnight, he said, “families suddenly find themselves overwhelmed by confusing laws and tough decisions” they never thought they’d face, so he turned to elder-law attorney and author Paula Almgren for help.
Almgren explains that elder care isn’t just “about care,” but a maze of five connected “buckets”: legal, financial, medical, housing, and hands-on support. Step one is knowing the money and getting estate-planning documents in place, especially for incapacity. “Those are like two step ones, the financial and getting the legal documents in place,” she says, so families — not courts — can make decisions if a parent can’t.
Because most seniors want to remain at home, Almgren urges families to think ahead about safety. Small changes can prevent big injuries: move the mailbox, pay extra for driveway garbage pickup, bring the washer and dryer to the main floor, add motion lights for nighttime trips, and removing or replacing throw rugs.
When home is no longer safe, she walks through options: assisted living with meals and activities, independent communities with a daily meal and wellness support, continuing care retirement communities that follow you through every level of care, and nursing homes for those who truly need skilled care. All of it is expensive, so she encourages early conversations, especially for “solo agers” who must build a circle of trusted advocates.
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