This is one of those multiple-things-are-true-at-once situations: we *have* to put into place better public funding and/or social insurance systems to support elder care (and those who work with seniors) AND there will never, ever be enough beds in facilities for our senior population. Here's what I mean: if you add up every bed in U.S. assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, and nursing homes, there are around 3 million total beds. There are presently more than *61 million* Americans over the age of 65, and those numbers are rising rapidly. What's more, by 2035, we'll have nearly *12 million Americans over the age of 85!* So we're going also have to adapt our neighborhoods, communities, workplaces, families -- nearly every aspect of society -- to meet the needs of a burgeoning senior population. There are opportunities here: opportunities for more connection, opportunities to restore intergenerational bonds, opportunities for a more humane economy, opportunities to center care in how we relate to one another. This one, though, is going to both take much more public funding and also much more than just public funding.

not enough people talk about the burnout that comes from constantly dealing with unhealed adults. always being the bigger person. always managing their triggers while suppressing your own. always explaining basic respect and accountability to people stuck in survival mode. that kind of exhaustion is soul tiring. protect your peace before you lose yourself carrying what other people refuse to heal within themselves.