Divorce is a very real part of our world. Statistics state that about 40 percent of first marriages end in divorce. If someone has been married more than once, the divorce rate increases significantly.
And while this might not be a positive statistic, it is the reality of things. Preparing for reality is an effective way to handle it with as few surprises as possible.
Statistics indicate that divorces among the senior population are rising dramatically. A study from 2022 indicated that about 36 percent of married couples that were over the age of 50 went through this. Unfortunately, that number seems to be on the rise as we move forward in time. The number has more than doubled since 1990.
The hard part of this is that many seniors depend on their spouse for care and support as they age. If a larger than before number of marriages are ending in divorce and a larger than before number of people need long term care as they age, where is this gap in assistance going to come from?
After a divorce, a spouse probably isn’t a good choice for help with senior care. Prioritizing other methods of assistance becomes necessary. If this can be planned for in advance, that’s helpful. But sometimes, life hands us surprises.
There are always legal difficulties when divorce is involved. Estate planning, alimony, property, and even child issues often will need to be resolved when it comes to divorce later on in life. In some cases, these issues can be handled through compromise but not always. It is important to work with an attorney if this is something that is impacting you so that you can handle the legal side of things as well as possible. An attorney that’s familiar with both elder law and divorce will likely be your best course of action.
As people live longer lives, divorce is going to be more and more common in the senior community. It’s not something that people plan on going through, but unfortunately, it is a reality for many people. Understanding some of the intricacies and difficulties that can result because of divorce during the senior years can make life a little bit easier for those that are going through this and their family members.
Senior care isn’t meant to assist with things like this in a direct manner. But that doesn’t mean that the support of a professional isn’t important for trying times like this.
No matter what, life is going to change after a divorce. For some, this can be a liberating, positive thing. It’s certainly not that way for everyone, though. Each situation is different and treating this delicate subject on a case by case basis is important. If you or someone you know is going through this, be mindful that this is a unique journey and needs will differ from person to person.
If you do require support, we’re here to help. Give us a call to learn more about what in-home care can do for you and your family to help meet your unique set of needs where you are.
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