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"A Family Tradition for 131 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Wednesday, October 15, 1997 - 5 Boomers' dilemma Seagrave gerontologist Len Fabiano addresses the issues of aging parents, and the children struggling to care for them By Heather McCrae Port Perry Star Baby boomers are facing critical decisions regard- ing the care of their aging parents. Today's middle-aged adults constitute the post- war children. It's estimated almost 3 million of these Canadians are currently taking care of some- one with long-term health problems. This puts increasing demands on the caregiver's time, and can greatly affect their own health. Caregivers are constantly faced with frustrating decisions, pressures and stress as they go about seeking the right way to care for an aging parent, friend or spouse. It's a growing problem; the elderly are living longer, yet hospital beds are closing and nursing homes aren't expanding to meet the needs. The average admission age of nursing home residents 1s now 89, up from the early seventies just 20 years ago. "Twenty years ago an 80-year old person was frail, but today a person that age is more spry. People are living longer today," says Len Fabiano, a long-time Seagrave practitioner and trainer in the gerontological field. With more people living longer, within 15 years the number of seniors will double, said Mr. Fabiano. When combined with today's environment of shrink- ing health care budgets and scaled-back services, baby boomers are being asked to provide even more support for aging parents. These challenges can lead to significant tension and can cause them to wonder if they are prepared to meet the demands of their aging parents. "In the past there were fewer people living until 80. If you had one physical health problem, your life expectancy dropped dramatically. Now, someone at 85 can have multiple health problems and still not be a candidate for a nursing home," Mr. Fabiano said. "The boomer generation is now beginning to understand the problems of dealing with frail par- ents and the pressures in the future are going to be amazing." An author of eight popular texts on aging and long term care, Mr. Fabiano has become well known across the nation for his effective, practical approach to dealing with highly complex issues. His book Mother, I'm Doing The Best I Can, an informative, compassionate and practical resource, was published earlier this year. The new text covers the many problems and pressures experi- enced by families caring for an aging parent or spouse. Mr. Fabiano has trained over 220,000 people nationwide on a variety of topics concerning care of the elderly, and long term care. He has also worked with scores of health care facilities and organiza- tions to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness. His books and videos are sold worldwide. Next Monday (Oct. 20) Mr. Fabiano will be speaking at the Rec Centre in Blackstock from 7 to 9 p.m. about the concerns, frustrations, pressures and stress caregivers experience as they try to cope with looking after a frail or aging parent. Joan Graham of Blackstock, who has heard Mr. Fabiano speak, says he gives a highly motivational talk. "It gets to the heart, and every time his talk is bound to bring tears and laughter," she said. "He's absolutely wonderful." The event is being sponsored by the ONO (Our Len Fabiano delivers a message of hope to adults caring for their aging parents. He's sched- uled to speak in Blackstock next Monday, Oct. 20. Night Out) Ladies Club. Pre-registration is a must, as seating only allows for up to 200 people. Mr. Fabiano will discuss the issues facing the caregiver, and provide direction on how to resolve them. There is no fee, however pre-registration is a must. 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