Caring for Elderly Parents. Understanding the $5,000 Monthly Cost of Assisted Living.

Care For Our Elders

Caring for an elderly parent is one of the greatest blessings life offers, but it is not without its challenges. As our loved ones age, their health needs often surpass what we are personally equipped to handle—both emotionally and financially.

According to Aegon Care and Global One Home Care, programs like Medicare and Medicaid may cover some in-home medical services, but they are limited. These services are often temporary and far from comprehensive. Around-the-clock or continuous care is not guaranteed, and assisted living programs can cost families upwards of $5,000 a month.

Most families want what’s best for their parents, but navigating the rising costs of healthcare while maintaining our own household responsibilities creates tremendous stress. It's not just about dollars—it’s about dignity, love, and ensuring our elders are not left to suffer in silence or neglect due to lack of planning or resources.

Proper preparation is essential—not just for the well-being of our aging parents, but for the peace of mind of the entire family. As they grow older and potentially lose the ability to care for themselves, we must face the hard truth: the American healthcare system is not designed to adequately support the elderly. Unlike in other nations, our elders often face bureaucracy and red tape rather than seamless support. That’s why now—not later—is the time to start asking hard questions about what your current health insurance or long-term care coverage truly includes.

Long-term care insurance is specifically designed to handle extended needs like in-home care or residential care facilities. It is different from standard health insurance and Medicare, which typically only cover short-term recovery services, such as physical therapy or nursing care following hospitalization. Medicaid may offer more long-term support, but benefits vary by state and often come with strict income requirements. If your parent already has a long-term care policy, take the time to read the fine print. Know what’s covered. Know what isn’t.

The emotional burden is real, especially when one sibling or adult child is left to carry the load alone. But there is help—both in the form of community resources and through the strategic use of legal and financial planning. Every family should have a living will, a healthcare power of attorney, and a financial power of attorney in place. These tools are not just paperwork—they are peace-of-mind documents that ensure someone trusted can legally act on behalf of your parent when necessary.

This issue is also deeply political. We must begin to push our local and national leaders to take elder care seriously. After a lifetime of hard work and paying taxes, our elders deserve far more than minimal care and broken systems. In many nations, elder care is considered a national obligation and a reflection of cultural values. Here in the U.S., it's often left to families with few resources, navigating this journey alone. This has to change—and we have the power to demand that change through our vote and our voices.

Now, here’s where the solution begins to take shape—right within our communities. Faith-based organizations such as churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues often have a large percentage of elderly members. Yet most of these institutions lack the infrastructure to support them beyond spiritual guidance. But imagine this: what if these same places of worship created community care programs that provided not only assistance to elders, but jobs for younger adults within the congregation?

This model would honor our elders while creating jobs, training opportunities, and purpose-driven work for the very community that surrounds and loves them. It's not just compassionate—it's economically wise and spiritually aligned with the values that most faith traditions preach. Taking care of our elders is not charity—it’s justice. It's a reflection of who we are as a people.

Let this be a wake-up call. Let it spark a conversation at your next family gathering. Let it move you to review your parent’s policies, set up the proper documents, and reach out to your place of worship to begin imagining how we can collectively do better. Our elders gave us everything. The least we can do is prepare, protect, and provide with the same care they once gave us.

Let’s not wait until we’re forced to make decisions in crisis. Let’s be proactive. Let’s be united. Let’s be prepared. The time is now.

References and Resources:

• Aegon Care Guide. “Understanding the Cost of Long-Term Care.” https://www.aegonlife.com

• Global One Home Care. “Medicare and Medicaid Services Overview.” https://www.globalonehomecare.com

• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. “Long-Term Services and Supports.” https://longtermcare.acl.gov

• Medicaid.gov. “State-by-State Medicaid Benefits.” https://www.medicaid.gov

• Medicare.gov. “Home Health Services.” https://www.medicare.gov

• National Institute on Aging. “Advance Care Planning: Healthcare Directives.” https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning