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Father's Day: Eldercare

BOSTON (CBS) - Father's Day is next Sunday. I would like to continue the series we started around Mother's Day on helping the elders in our lives.

I'm sure dad would love tickets to a Red Sox's game but I am suggesting you spend some time this week reflecting about his well being. And get him the Red Sox's tickets.

Baby Boomers will likely spend more years caring for a parent than for their children. That is especially hard if you have moved across country from your parents and are trying to provide long distance care.

Retirees are living longer and modern medicine is helping them do so. But longevity often means living a more limited lifestyle for as we age, we also become more frail and need more services to continue living on our own.

Individuals in their 40s & 50s are caring for parents who are in their 70s and 80s. And often have children or grandchildren to care for so indeed they are the "Sandwich Generation". Their parents may need them to help pay the bills, grocery shop and drive them places and their teenagers need them to pay the bills, keep them in groceries and drive them places as well.

The club sandwich generation refers to a generation that is helping to care for three other generations; the caregiver helping aging parents, adult children and grandchildren. This term also applies for younger caregivers caring for their kids and aging parents and grandparents.

Help is out there! A phone call or a computer click away. Start with the Eldercare Locator to find assistance here in Massachusetts. The site lists information on services and programs in Massachusetts for elders. Their phone: 800-243-4636. And to find help anywhere in the country use their national website.

Another good resource would be the local Council on Aging where Dad lives. They are usually listed in the local phone book or contact town hall. See what they are offering for they may be able to coordinate meals or driving. If Dad is in Florida contact the National Council on Aging for help.

Other worthwhile sites: Administration on Aging and the Alliance for Care Giving.

All of the websites mentioned can be accessed from our website at CBS Boston.

According to an AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving survey nearly one in four households are providing care to a relative or friend aged 50 or older. The scariest thing about the survey is that they considered 50 old!

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You can hear Dee Lee's expert financial advice on WBZ NewsRadio 1030 each weekday at 1:55 p.m., 3:55 p.m., and 7:55 p.m.

Subscribe to Dee's Money Matters newsletter here.

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