If we are aware of the changes in the federal budget bill that the United States Congress passed on July 3, 2025, which impact seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their family caregivers in several key areas, then perhaps we can take steps to age well despite them.
When this bill was adopted it caused me to lose sleep and increased my stress level significantly...and I don't live in the US. I am sending so much love to everyone who is impacted by these dreadful decisions.
Excellent information. I'm already feeling a prescription cost increase this year. Plans to stay out of the doctor office and continue preventative measures when they can be taken is my plan, also.
Thank you Janice, for the concrete examples given here. Financial issues continue to be my #1 worry. And yes, paying for in-home care -- even live-in home care continues to be the best choice in the town where I live.
Hi Sharron, I thought of you while writing this article. I totally agree with you about in-home care - and yes, good point - living in-home care if necessary.
All of these are good points and issues I’ve thought about and planned for a very long time. I’m still working and we’ve already been told our medical plan premiums are doubling and to prepare to understand plan options if we need to make changes during open enrollment and before January when it will go into effect.
The most pressing and important issue for aging folks, in my opinion, is housing. It’s a sad state in the US. I’m 61 and have never bought into LTC policies over the years and because I’ve been to too many assisted living facilities and know too many family and friends who have first hand knowledge. Abysmal and costly. Instead I’ve focused on my current home, in a walkability neighborhood (stores, post office, pharmacy, parks, church) and considering it to be my retirement facility. I’m staying and have worked on making it safe, clean, organized and minimalist as possible. I have enough rooms and an entire basement apartment for live-in help — 2 blocks from a teaching hospital and can employ help that way. My son works there and has a plan for that possibility.
My other son has a homestead 10 miles away and has a plan for an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) that meets the construction code for our city / county and property. His wife and him want me to do this. I love his little farm and help all the time. And they are starting their family now so I can help with the children. But I would become car dependent to go anywhere.
What I do not want is to sell a beautiful old home that has been my life for already 25 years and give that money to an assisted living facility and sit there and die. My kids don’t want that either.
Tricia, it sounds as if you have planned very well. Like you, I can walk to most of the services I need, from grocery stores to medical and dental facilities. However, I don't drive, so that is a concern. So far, family members who live nearby have graciously taken me places. I also have access to Uber and taxis if needed, and would like to be more comfortable using them.
One thing I've come to realize about assisted living and retirement communities is that my expectations were off regarding what they would provide and how much involvement I would have. Promises were made and not kept in my opinion.
If we are aware of the changes in the federal budget bill that the United States Congress passed on July 3, 2025, which impact seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their family caregivers in several key areas, then perhaps we can take steps to age well despite them.
When this bill was adopted it caused me to lose sleep and increased my stress level significantly...and I don't live in the US. I am sending so much love to everyone who is impacted by these dreadful decisions.
Keep sharing your important work Janice.
Hi Donna, it's certainly not the country I thought I lived in for so many years.
Yes, I can’t even imagine how that must feel.
Excellent information. I'm already feeling a prescription cost increase this year. Plans to stay out of the doctor office and continue preventative measures when they can be taken is my plan, also.
Thank you Janice, for the concrete examples given here. Financial issues continue to be my #1 worry. And yes, paying for in-home care -- even live-in home care continues to be the best choice in the town where I live.
Hi Sharron, I thought of you while writing this article. I totally agree with you about in-home care - and yes, good point - living in-home care if necessary.
All of these are good points and issues I’ve thought about and planned for a very long time. I’m still working and we’ve already been told our medical plan premiums are doubling and to prepare to understand plan options if we need to make changes during open enrollment and before January when it will go into effect.
The most pressing and important issue for aging folks, in my opinion, is housing. It’s a sad state in the US. I’m 61 and have never bought into LTC policies over the years and because I’ve been to too many assisted living facilities and know too many family and friends who have first hand knowledge. Abysmal and costly. Instead I’ve focused on my current home, in a walkability neighborhood (stores, post office, pharmacy, parks, church) and considering it to be my retirement facility. I’m staying and have worked on making it safe, clean, organized and minimalist as possible. I have enough rooms and an entire basement apartment for live-in help — 2 blocks from a teaching hospital and can employ help that way. My son works there and has a plan for that possibility.
My other son has a homestead 10 miles away and has a plan for an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) that meets the construction code for our city / county and property. His wife and him want me to do this. I love his little farm and help all the time. And they are starting their family now so I can help with the children. But I would become car dependent to go anywhere.
What I do not want is to sell a beautiful old home that has been my life for already 25 years and give that money to an assisted living facility and sit there and die. My kids don’t want that either.
Tricia, it sounds as if you have planned very well. Like you, I can walk to most of the services I need, from grocery stores to medical and dental facilities. However, I don't drive, so that is a concern. So far, family members who live nearby have graciously taken me places. I also have access to Uber and taxis if needed, and would like to be more comfortable using them.
One thing I've come to realize about assisted living and retirement communities is that my expectations were off regarding what they would provide and how much involvement I would have. Promises were made and not kept in my opinion.
Great summary, Janice!
Thank you, Don.