What’s going on: You already pick up prescriptions, follow up after appointments, and keep an eye on your parents — but maybe you’ve started to wonder if they need more consistent help. Still, the moment you look into home care, it feels like the doors are closing. The Washington Post reports that funding cuts, a thinning workforce, and policy changes have created a perfect storm amid record demand for help. Openings for home health and personal care jobs are expected to jump 17% over the next decade, and spending on home health will almost double. Contributing to the crisis: Agencies already can’t hire fast enough for these roles, which pay around $35,000 annually, and federal policy changes have pinched an already-stretched industry that relies heavily on immigrants.
What it means: When care gets harder to find, families shoulder more of the load — hello, sandwich generation. But you can take steps to lighten the emotional load. Start by understanding what your parents need. If this conversation feels overwhelming, this Skimm+ script (on our membership platform) can help you find the right words and tone. Check what Medicare or Medicaid will cover so you can identify any financial gaps. You can also explore how to choose trustworthy care options, track expected costs, and find money-saving resources specifically for family caregivers. A handful of states offer more affordable senior care — we’re not saying move, but it can help shape your plans. And don’t forget yourself in all this: Lean on friends or relatives who’ve already navigated this and ask for help.
