Caring for an aging parent can become one of the biggest financial and emotional responsibilities a family faces, yet many people are caught completely unprepared for the true cost of care.
Today's guest, Dr. Gerda Maissel, joins us to discuss what families need to know before a parent’s health needs become urgent. She explains when to start researching care options, what costs families should expect, and how to prepare financially and practically for the later years of a parent’s life.
Dr. Maissel also shares common misconceptions about cost and safety, the most important questions to ask before hiring a caregiver, and how families can research care options without overpaying for services they don’t need or overlooking support that could make a meaningful difference.
Gerda Maissel, MD, BCPA, is the President and Founder of My MD Advisor, where she helps individuals and families navigate complex medical problems, caregiving decisions, and the healthcare system.
Board-certified as both a physician and a private patient advocate, Dr. Maissel specializes in sophisticated medical care coordination and navigation.
She is known for translating “doctor speak” into language patients and families can understand, helping them find solutions and make medical and caregiving decisions with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Dr. Maissel frequently works with families who are surprised by the financial realities of caring for aging parents and the expenses associated with the later years of life.
She helps clients understand what to expect, how to evaluate care options, what services may actually be necessary, and how to avoid both over- and underspending.