COMMUNITY COMMENTARY:Better be ready to pay for golden years

Most of us assume that the golden years are when we will enjoy the fruits of our labor, travel the world, spoil the grandchildren, play lots of golf and spend our savings and retirement IRAs on a life of relaxation, fun and dignity.

Most of us are blessed to be able to do all these wonderful activities, however, many tend to ignore the eventuality that our golden years may well lead us to possible medical needs that will require specialized care and attention. Recently, I got a shock and surprise as I learned firsthand of what it takes for those in their golden years who become disabled physically or mentally, and who need placement in a nursing facility.

Earlier last month, my wife and I received a certified letter from a local nursing home where her 95-year-old mother is a resident. The letter informed us that the nursing home is being closed and all residents must be moved out within the next 60 days. The notification letter prompted us to research facilities that provide the environment and nursing services that meet her mother's needs. Sadly, such facilities are very few, and they have limited availability. All have a waiting list of one month to as long as one year.

Our research and visitations to the various nursing facilities and our newly gained and updated knowledge of the costs and services that one will need in their golden and advanced years has been a real eye opener. It was not that long ago that I was caring for my parents in their golden years. My father lived to the ripe old age of 90 and my mother to 83. I recall all too well what my parents paid to stay in a very nice senior facility in Montrose. Unfortunately, during the past 10 years, the cost for such a stay has escalated dramatically. The longevity and the increase in population of those in their golden years have had a dramatic impact on facilities, availability and services. Hence, we have an increase in cost and a serious shortage of available facilities and beds to accommodate the growing golden generation.