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Many individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are receiving in-home care. What might be surprising is just how many millennials are engaged in the caregiving. An aging population, combined with the fact that dementia-related illnesses are projected to grow in prevalence, means that millennials will play an increasing role in family caregiving. This article highlights the many qualities that make millennials well-suited and effective caregivers.

They are Comfortable Using Technology.

Technology has been integral in their lives from an early age. Millennials were among the first to grow up with computers in the home, which is important in an increasingly virtual world. They can easily navigate caregiver support resources through technology, such as app-controlled home and door alarms, Uber apps to facilitate travel for appointments, or ordering items online. This technological comfort also allows millennials to provide support by doing internet research, grocery deliveries, or setting up auto bill payments to ease the challenges of caregiving.

They are Adaptable.

Millennials are old enough to remember life without smartphones, apps, social media, and the internet, so they can adapt quickly to different situations and help their elders adapt as well.

They are Emotionally Invested.

Despite the responsibilities, challenges, and nuances of caregiving, millennials were the most likely group to say caregiving was rewarding (91%), according to a February 2021 Forbes article. A study conducted by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) found that most millennials got a sense of purpose from their caregiving role. Like any caregiver, millennials have their strengths, but they also face challenges that are less common among their older contemporaries.

Less Financial Means and Weaker Support Structure.

Because they are younger (on average 30 years old) with shorter earning time, millennial caregivers have lower household incomes and more often report high levels of financial strain.
These income challenges leave millennials with a weaker support structure. They are less likely to have paid caregiving help or health insurance, and they more frequently report being in fair health.

Rising to Meet the Challenge.

Millennials are not the future caregivers in the fight against Alzheimer’s—they are on the front lines, in the trenches, right now. Fortunately, they are well equipped—they are passionate, hard-working caregivers who find great reward in their labor of love and are rising to meet the many challenges they face head-on. Like all caregivers, they need help. Strengthening their support infrastructure is vital to help make them an even stronger caregiving generation.

Thank you alzfdn.org for this content!

Typically, the word “legacy” can simply be thought of as an inheritance of money or property that is being passed on to someone’s children or grandchildren. When thinking about your “legacy,” focus also on shared values, worldviews, and family experiences. Devote more attention to transmitting your heritage than leaving an inheritance.

Communication is Key.

Society may lament how unprepared the next generation is for some situations, but how faithful have the older generations been at preparing them to resolve issues in a responsible way? Have the important discussion with your children about what needs to be accomplished during estate planning, but also discuss your heritage of beliefs and values. These discussions will increase the likelihood of a successful estate transition—preserving harmony within family and optimizing the long-term benefit of physical property.

A Matter of Trust.

Think of someone you trust. Would you want that person to have the courage to initiate a discussion with you about an issue, even if it might be contentious? Most likely, your trust in that person would supersede the troubling aspect of the discussion and can be a huge factor in helping navigate through typical relationship challenges. If that trust hasn’t been established, creating it now can be difficult, but it can be done. Humble yourself, admit mistakes, and ask for patience and understanding from family. Tell them your priority is to do what is best for them and commit yourself fully to that course of action. Disagreements may still occur but work through those issues with humility.

Equal Love.

Equality is impossible when it comes to the distribution of physical property, but having a mindset that demonstrates equal love goes together with a trusting relationship. Family members might all have different situations and needs. Distributions may appear unequal in superficial ways, but an equal love approach can lead to the best, most peaceful results. Equal love that is trustworthy from a parent or a grandparent says: Regardless of what happens, I will act in the best interest of each and every one of my children and grandchildren.

Bottom Line.

A trustworthy foundation allows transmission of values and a heritage that will strengthen the family. Families operating from that foundation affirm equal love, even during disagreement, and the process promotes communication and increases trust rather than separation and distrust. Grandparents, keep communicating with your children and grandchildren! You possess a narrative about your spiritual, physical, and moral legacy that your grandchildren want to know.

Thank you, Grant Goodvin, at grandkidsmatter.org for this content! 

For the over 19 million Americans who served in the armed forces, accessing health care benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be a confusing process at times.

For all veterans, VA Health Care can be obtained through three different paths:

Path 1: Disability Status.

If a veteran has a service-connected injury or illness, they can first seek disability compensation based on their condition. The VA pays a tax-free monthly payment to veterans who were sick or injured while serving in the military and to veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. Disability payments are made for physical (such as chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (such as post-traumatic stress disorder) that developed before, during, or after service.

How to Qualify.

They must have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training and have a VA disability rating for their condition (ratings are assigned after receiving a disability exam).

Staff at the local VA medical center or local doctor’s office that is partnered with the VA will contact your loved one to schedule an exam to confirm they meet one of the qualifying disability claims.

Path 2: Service History.

Veterans can qualify for VA Health Care Benefits if they meet one of these six criteria:
• They were a former prisoner of war (POW).
• They received a Purple Heart.
• They received a Medal of Honor.
• Served in Vietnam from 1962 to 1975.
• Served in Southwest Asia/Gulf War from 1990 to 1998.
• Served at least 30 days at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987.

Path 3: Income Need.

To qualify for VA Health Care based on income, veterans or their family must receive or qualify for Medicaid benefits or earn less than the VA’s specified income requirements. To learn more on these income requirements, visit: www.va.gov/healthbenefits

Tips on Obtaining VA Health Care Benefits.

First, understand what the VA can provide by getting advice from those who best know its system. That means reaching out to an accredited Veterans Service Representative. Have a copy of your loved one’s military service record, known as a DD-214. The easiest way to receive a copy is to register for an e-Benefits account or visit your local VA facility for assistance. Once the application is submitted, the VA can provide eligibility based on their criteria. For families, keep in mind that in most cases only the veteran receives health care benefits.

Bottom Line.

Eligibility for VA Health Care Benefits can change over time based on funding from Congress and the department’s priorities. If possible, enroll in both Medicare and VA Health Care to secure the best options. Reach out to your State VA Office or Veterans and Military Service Organization for help. Once the veteran is qualified for disability pay, gaining health care benefits is much simpler.

Thank you Aaron Kassraie at aarp.org for this content!