US Census data shows that the national population 60 years and older (Baby Boomer generation) will steadily grow in the next decades. As this generation moves into retirement, Sailors may be required to provide care or financial, physical, and emotional support for their elders.
One option for Sailors needing to provide elder care is to participate in the Navy’s Career Intermission Program (CIP), which allows eligible Sailors to take a sabbatical from active duty in order to meet personal needs and then be returned to active duty. Additional resources to help Sailors who care for aging relatives are below.
Planning for Care (US Government websites):
www.aoa.gov - Administration on Aging website with resources to help older adults and family caregivers
www.eldercare.gov -Search for Elder Care resources by location or topic
www.longtermcare.gov - Provided by The Administration for Community Living
www.alzheimers.gov - Knowledge and resources to help care for someone with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
No-Cost Additional Resources:
OPM.GOV: The Handbook of Elder Care Resources for the Federal Workplace
Topics include Community Resources, Housing Options, Legal Considerations, Financial Matters, Health Insurance (Medicare, Medicaid), Practical Tips
Military OneSource: The Elder Care Handbook: Helping and Caring for Older Relatives
Topics include The Aging Process, Community Resources, Supporting the Caregiver, Housing Options, Nursing-Home Care, Health Care & Medical Resources, Legal & Financial Issues, Medicare, Medicaid
Military OneSource: Elder Care Consultation