What happens when caregiving begins overnight?

In this episode of The Midlife Squeeze, Erica sits down with her friend Kiesha to share Kiesha's unexpected journey of caring for her mother.

Kiesha's life changed almost overnight when her mother experienced a brain injury that caused significant cognitive and physical changes. The woman who had once been her anchor suddenly needed around-the-clock care.

Kiesha shares the reality of balancing her business, raising two daughters, supporting her family, and caring for her mother during COVID. She also opens up about caregiver guilt, assisted living costs, role reversal, and the difficult decision to move her mother into an assisted living facility.

This conversation highlights why families should discuss caregiving plans before an emergency forces them to make life-changing decisions.

• Caregiving can begin without warning. A sudden health event changed Kiesha's family overnight.
• Caregiving affects the entire household. This includes children, spouses, careers, and finances.
• Becoming a caregiver can create difficult role reversals. This is especially true when caring for an aging parent.
• Assisted living can create significant costs. In Kiesha's experience, costs ranged from approximately $3,500 to $5,000+ per month, depending on care needs and circumstances.
• Moving a parent into assisted living can bring feelings of guilt. These feelings can remain even when it is the right decision for the family.
• Caregiving continues after assisted living. Responsibilities can include medications, appointments, transportation, and ongoing family support.
• Early conversations can make a major difference. Discussing care, finances, responsibilities, and living arrangements can help families avoid crisis planning.

00:00 Welcome to The Midlife Squeeze

01:48 The Night Everything Changed

03:08 Realizing Life Had Changed

04:45 Adjusting to 24/7 Care

06:14 How Caregiving Changed the Family

07:53 Becoming the Default Caregiver

08:53 Balancing Caregiving and Business

09:40 The Assisted Living Decision

10:30 Finding the Right Facility

11:02 Caregiving After Assisted Living

11:57 The Reality of Role Reversal

13:16 Conversations Kiesha Wishes They Had

14:44 The Financial Impact of Caregiving

16:20 The Cost of Assisted Living

18:54 Caregiver Guilt

20:42 Avoiding Crisis Planning

21:50 Why Families Should Plan Earlier

23:04 Closing Thoughts

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The information discussed on this podcast is for general educational purposes only and is not a recommendation of a product or strategy. Nothing discussed should be considered investment, tax, legal, medical, or financial advice. Consult with qualified professionals before making any financial or investment decisions. The views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the views of Ausdal Financial Partners. Securities and advisory services are offered through Ausdal Financial Partners, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC and registered investment adviser. Ocean Crest Wealth Management and Ausdal Financial Partners, Inc. are independently owned and operated. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.

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