Seniors increasingly cared for in multi-generational homes

May 30 2012

NPR examines how families are living under the same roof to care for senior relatives -- and also, to get by.

NPR: Family Matters: Pitching In To Take Care Of Grandma
On a recent evening, the Martin family of Harrisburg, Pa., had too many places it needed to be. AnnaBelle Bowers, the 87-year-old matriarch of the family who is also known as "Snootzie," was at home -; watching television and getting ready for bed. Someone needed to care for her. That fell to Chris Martin, her 14-year-old great-grandson. His willingness to stay at home meant his sister, Lauren, could play in a softball game. It also meant her parents, David and LaDonna Martin, could watch. ... More and more, multigenerational families like the Martins are living under the same roof in order to care for a loved one -; and also get by (Greene, 5/29).

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Sun looks at how health bills factor into seniors' debts.

Baltimore Sun: Seniors Grow Old Under Debt
Health care bills are a leading factor contributing to the indebtedness of graying Americans.
Workers are paying more for employer-sponsored health insurance, while costs for medical care are skyrocketing. Eligibility for Medicare doesn't begin until age 65, and it does not cover such expenses as hearing aids, dental care and long-term nursing care (Cho, 5/27).