California Business Journal April 23, 2013

With close to 80 million Baby Boomers residing in the United States – a number that is projected to balloon in the coming decades – caregivers are enduring a series of unexpected out-of-pocket costs, difficulties with balancing life and work, personal health issues and a lot of them not generating an income.

Recently, the Wall Street Journal published an interesting look at what it costs to care for loved ones. For the average woman, $324,044 in lifetime wages, pension and Social Security benefits are lost. For the average man, $283,716 in the same elements is lost.

It can be a difficult, stressful and emotionally fatiguing time.

For millions of people who have had to recently handle such a tumultuous situation, many are starting to turn to Carolyn A. Brent, a crusader and advocate for caregivers, who is the author of the bestselling book “Why Wait? The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Preparing Emotionally, Financially & Legally for a Parent’s Death.”

Brent understands on a first-hand basis of what comes with being a caregiver. She began to look after her father in 1997 when he was diagnosed with dementia. Through her ordeal, she decided to aid others in similar situations.

Brent is the founder of A Caregiver’s Story (CGS), a non-profit organization that is meant for baby boomers and caregivers. The group provides caregivers and those being cared for the necessary tools to get through a difficult period. Its website is filled with free financial, legal and medical resources. It also provides visitors with other important medical information and other requested data.

The CGS website even features information related to affordable health care options, caregiver resource programs, legal resources, funeral services, psychosocial support and other pertinent matters.

Her book offers crucial tips and advice to handle everyday matters, including financial, legal, health and even emotions. The imperative pieces of information consist of the daily choices and decisions that have to be made to ensure everything runs smoothly.

With the rising cost of living and other issues facing the average middle-class family, the sandwich generation – adults who have to look after both their aging parents and their children – have used the book as a lifeline because it entails what financial and legal documents have to be completed and signed.

Over the years, she has worked closely with members of Congress to highlight various concerns brought up by the elderly. Brent has observed and assisted both the federal and state governments to recognize matters of importance to seniors, including Medicare, Social Security, the Veteran’s Administration and other issues. As of late, Brent’s hard work and initiatives have included helping lawmakers to protect and defend the elderly from both financial and medical abuse.

Brent has made quite a bit of media appearances, where she has highlighted the significance of caregiving, “For the elderly, now is the time for conversations about end-of-life issues to take place with their children, not later. And if your parents don’t bring the subject up, as a concerned child you should,” stated Brent in an interview with Sensitive Self-Help.

“Why wait to begin talking? Why wait until there is a crisis? It is much better to hold these crucial conversations early when your parents are still healthy and can articulate their wishes, needs, and concerns. When a family has a plan, it is much easier to work together as a team.”

Due to overwhelming success of Brent’s initiative, she has taken part in media interviews, published guest posts at different media outlets, delivered orations at speaking engagements and offered byline editorials related to numerous end-of-life issues.

Visit California Business Journal April 23, 2013 link below for more detail:
Carolyn A. Brent channels personal experiences into passion for helping others 

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About the Book

Why Wait? The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Preparing Emotionally, Financially and Legally for a Parent’s Death is a handbook that can spare caregivers and their families the stress of conflict at a time of grieving and loss. It provides an opportunity for them to mend fences and renew the connection and communication they once enjoyed with each other.   Visit CareGiverStory.com  A Free resource portal

Support the Project

A Caregiver’s Story is a nonprofit  and a labor of love. An endeavor of this magnitude requires much commitment, time and resources to operate to its full potential. Please consider making a donation to support this worthy cause. To make an immediate donation, click the Donate button below and enter your donation amount.

Carolyn has appeared on the following TV networks