EP 53 :: Elder Orphan:: Terry Korth Fischer

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Bobbi and Mike talk with Terry Korth Fischer about the rise in “elder orphans” across the U.S and her experience as the caregiver for an elder orphan.  

Many elder orphans are woefully unprepared and stressed out over their current situation, and what the future may bring them.

Terry Korth Fischer writes mystery, memoir, and short story. Her memoir, Omaha to Ogallala, was published in 2019.

After a friendship that spanned more than a decade, Terry spent eighteen months as the primary caregiver for Anna Fogelman, a 95-year-old unmarried woman, who loved life and learning until she forgot her passions. Guiding Anna through stay-at-home care and then into assisted living, Terry became her friend’s lifeline in the baffling world around her.

“We like to say that we were sisters of the heart. People would always say, ‘Are you her daughter?’ Anna got a kick out of that, and then would say, ‘No, we're sisters of the heart.’” Terry said.

 About 22% of older adults in the United States can be considered elder orphans or solo agers, or are at risk of becoming one. Elder orphans are older people who don’t have a spouse or children they can depend upon, while solo agers are older adults who are living alone and never had children. In either case, this is a population of older people who don’t have a safety net if they need support, whether that’s physical, emotional, or practical.

“I did go through the whole procedure of becoming her financial power of attorney and her health power of attorney.” Terry said. “I live in Texas and so those things are governed by the state. You pretty much have to be a blood relative in order to do anything and but we were able to accomplish it.”

Find out more on Terry’s website, her Facebook page, and follow her on Twitter.

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