The number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to more than double from 46 million today to over 98 million by 2060, and the 65-and-older age group’s share of the total population will rise to nearly 24 percent from 15 percent.
The Story: Fran was 91 and lived in the Villa across the street from me in our CCRC, when we moved in in 2004. Her kids were well situated in town, but lived an active life, and Fran wanted her independence. Yes, enough money to live in this independent living home, but not quite independent... wheelchair, strength.. Donna, a 55 year old person who had immigrated from a foreign country, and spoke broken English, had been living in a poor section of Chicago, and had a job that paid minimum wages.
By whatever means, Donna moved in with Fran, had her own room, and became Fran's live in helper. A 24/7/365 helper. Room, board, a car, and enough time to live her own life. I don't know how much she was paid, but for 24/7 care by the local Home Care Center, @ $22/hr, the annual cost would be $193,000.
How many homes are there with elderly people living in them... people who need help, beyond their own abilities. Homes with extra rooms, owned by people who have enough money to live well, but not enough to pay for full time care.
Then.... how many widows or widowers who are in their 60's but who haven't enough money for whatever reason to retire independently. In another thread , 65 year old widows working at Walmart.. standing at the cash register for 5 or 6 hours a day.
How many extra rooms that have heat and airconditioning....How many meals that could serve 3 instead of 2. How many automobiles that get used less than a few hundred miles a year.
How many people who are alone, could live a happier life, with another person around.
Fran died five years ago. I wrote a letter of recommendation for Donna, based on my knowledge. She had another job within a few days. Living with a 85 year old man with beginning Dementia. She's happy, he's doing well and the additional cost and resources for this relationship are tiny compared to the alternative.
The proposal I think you can read between the lines, to realize the potential for the future. We're not there yet, but if something like this could work, maybe one way to look ahead.
What are the downsides? Are you aware of this kind of situation in your own experience?
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