67. 68. 69. 70.III. READ THE PASSAGE CAREFULLY AND ANSWER THE QUES...

66. 67. 68. 69. 70.III. Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.Many people wrongly believe that when people reach old age, the families place them innursing homes. They are left therein the hands of strangers for the rest of their lives. Their grownchildren visit them only occasionally. The truth is that this idea is an unfortunate myth – a fictitiousstory. In fact, family members provide over 80 percent of care that elderly people need.Because Americans are living longer than ever, more psychologists and social workers havebegun to study care giving to improve care of the elderly. They have found that all caregivers sharea common characteristic: All caregivers believe they are the best person for the job. One caregiversaid that she had always been closed to her mother. Another was the oldest child. Another was theyoungest child. Social workers interviewed caregivers to find out why they took on theresponsibilities of caring for an elderly, dependent relative. They discovered three basic reasons.Many caregivers believed that they had an obligation to help their relative. Some stated that helpingothers made them more useful. Others hoped that by helping someone now, they would deservecare when they became old and dependent.When people care for an elderly relative, they often do not use available community services,such as adult daycare centers. If the caregivers are adult children, they are more likely to use suchservices, especially because they often have jobs and other responsibilities. In contrast, a spouse,usually the wife, is much less likely to use support services or to put the dependent person in anursing home. Social workers discovered that the reason for this difference was fear of poverty. Allill, elderly people may live years, and medical care and nursing homes are very expensive. Anelderly couple’s saving can disappear very quickly. The surviving spouse, usually the wife, can beleft poverty. As a result, she often tries to take care of her husband herself for as long as she can.Researchers have found that caring for the elderly can be a very positive experience. Theelderly appreciated the care and attention they received. They were affectionate and cooperative.However, even when care giving is satisfying, it is hard work. Social workers and experts on agingoffer caregivers and potential caregivers help when arranging for the care of an elderly relative. Oneconsideration is to ask parents what they want before they become sick or dependent. Perhaps theyprefer going into a nursing homes and can select one in advance. On the other hand, they may wantto live with their adult children. Caregivers must also learn to be assertive and ask for help fromothers, especiallysiblings. Brothers and sisters are willing to help, but they do not know what to do.We can expect to live longer lives than ever before. Caring for the elderly and being takencare of can be a mutual satisfying experience for everyone involved.