In the current issue…

OUR COVER STORY

A common thread runs through a tapestry of three stories in the cover story of the September-October 2022 issue of GENERATIONS MAGAZINE. Having experienced the caregiving role themselves, Savina Makalena, Gary Simon and Gary Powell all saw the need to support individual caregivers and the various entities involved in providing that support. And seeing that need, they all decided to help fulfill it, each in their own way.

Kīhei resident Franny Durham unknowingly serves as an inspiration to those around her through her indomitable spirit, positive attitude, and boundless energy. When asked about her secret to her physical health and spiritual well-being, she replied, “Moderation is the key.” “When I was very young, my father told me that longevity runs in our family, so I learned to take care of my body at a young age because I wanted to live to be very old,” she laughed.

It’s not your ordinary book club. This all-women book club has a long history, having begun around 1980, says Ginny Meade, who joined in mid-’81. “It’s an amazing group of women from all walks of life. It all started because of our love of books and reading.” When Ginny joined, she said, an artist, an attorney and a writer were the “ring leaders.” One by one, new members drifted in by the invitation of other members, including several doctors.

Finding the right place for Mom or Dad is both an art and a science. You have to do your research and trust your gut. Assisted living facilities are widely available to help take care of older adults who need help with bathing, dressing or other daily activities. When that is no longer enough, a nursing home can provide 24/7 healthcare. Either way, it is important to research facilities to determine which one seems to give the best care.

Thanks to ongoing advances in medical care, people are living longer than ever before. But that longevity comes with a cost. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 70 percent of Americans over age 65 will require some type of long-term care services in their lives — costing potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars. And as healthcare costs continue to rise, unforeseen medical needs can easily derail a family’s retirement plans if there is not a smart financial planning strategy in place.