Thank you Alisa. My family and I had to deal with corporate America when we were forced to place my father in memory care. He was also a scholar and a highly regarded professor who worked at a prestigious university (similar to your father). I am so sorry for the circumstances that this country and its body politic has forced upon you. I recently returned to my country of origin but am back in the US now so have a different perspective than many Americans. Stay safe my friend. I have moved a lot in my life (many times many countries). At least you will be in a functioning democracy no doubt, and that will be soothing. In fact it will be more comforting than you may think. I returned to my country of origin recently and I can’t tell you how much solace I derived from that very fact. I was able to watch people just living their lives in a functional democracy. No surrealism. No dystopia. No “DON’T talk about it”. In fact, I made it a point to talk about the US and to tell them just how bad it is because they don’t really know. They can only surmise. Most certainly, they can’t understand. However, the interesting fact is that they know far more about the state of affairs than 95% of Americans. The world is watching and they are horrified (especially our former allies).
I'm so very sorry for all you are experiencing. It's truly trying caring for our parents as they decline, let alone being uprooted in the most horrible way. May you keep safe and find the strength to make it through each day. 🕊️
Thank you so much for remembering for ALL of us what CARE can and should be. We forget, because we are surrounded by this culture. Thank you for this and all your work. Thank you to your parents and the stars for you! You are so so so brilliant. Thank you for existing. 🥲🤍
Apparently I can’t link it, but Counterpunch has an article about advances in Alzeimers care in Cuba. Author’s name is Macdonald Stainsby. Thought you might find it interesting
Thank you for the update. Been fretting. It sounds promising for you regarding treatment and what a relief re your Dad. I wish you healing and safety, sobre todo la securidad.
What an excellent article, thank you. As an Australian I feel so privileged, we have 'free' health care, it only takes a small 1.5% of income tax per individual to set up a failsafe system for everyone. If you're unemployed or elderly and no longer in the workforce you get free healthcare as well as workers. Aged care facilities are legally required to provide a percentage of their rooms for the underprivileged , there are also aged care facilities run by religions and private companies. You really do need to have a house to sell however to pay for your care when moving into most places. What a sad indictment it is on America that the health system there is an expensive and sometimes deadly system. It's a shame on the entire government that people can be allowed to die for lack of funds. Re moving overseas, you did the right thing, not only for your dad, but for your own peace of mind. Another sad thing about America, people can be driven out of their homes by hate and life threatening circumstances. Nobody seems to think that this is unusual or wrong, or worth doing something about. As long as they have their guns, and can abuse anyone they like, it's all good. Best wishes to you and your family.
Many sad things about America. I am originally from NZ later Canada and now the US. There are better ways to run a country (like offering National health care for instance) but Americans will never realize this. They suffer from "American Exceptionalism Syndrome" . They also have indoctrinated their citizenry into believing that national healthcare is "socialist'. As Alisa herself says, she is left of left (similar to myself). I feel confident in saying this because I have lived here for over 50 years now. I have dealt with exactly the same situation as Alisa placing my father is memory care. It was extremely difficult and drained them of all their assets. At one point we paid $3000/mo. for healthcare and then there was the memory care on top of that. The healthcare situation in the US is horrendous. Corporate mega donors have diluted the opposition party because they donate to both sides. However, I will say that currently, it is an extremely complex situation with a a lot of layers. Many Americans do not agree with the disparity of wealth concentration, gun culture and untethered capitalism (which has now become fascism)together with an inferior health care system. Many Americans are actually good people who are not arrogant and wish to be ethical global citizens. I just felt the need to explain that not all Americans are arrogant, abusive gun toting individuals. It is all so very sad to see this democracy decline in real time. And yes, there is most definitely resistance here.
Hopalong Cassidy. I remember reading his adventures in comic books.
Alisa, I was born and raised in Colombia (78 years ago), and was sent to the USA because schooling was so great here. So said my parents amid great sacrifices to get me a good education so I could attend a gringo college. After college my American wife and I returned to Colombia and both of our kids were born there. But fate marks its own path and we ended up living in New England where with hard work we fared well. That was in different times.
But why do I tell you this? Because no matter where in LatAm you go, you will find that people are much more caring and loving than they are here in the land of individualism and screw my neighbor. You are making a wise choice. Your father will be well cared for by people who will treat him with respect and dignity. They will actually love him regardless of the state of his mind. I don’t worry about you because clearly you will land on your feet and make a go of it wherever you are.
But I do mourn with you the fact that you have to flee your own country. Ay ay ay! That’s not supposed to happen here. And to me the saddest thing is that our government is doing all it can (especially all illegal things that it can) to make the Latin America of old, as ruthless as the USA of today. Honduras, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia, Argentina all now have right wing governments who kowtow to el innombrable. Cuba will probably be next to fall. Colombia’s presidential elections are this coming Sunday and they are crucial.
One of the “witnesses” to ensure "fair" elections (I miss Jimmy Carter.) will be Bogotá-born and now US Senator Bernie Moreno whose real name is Bernardo Francisco Moreno Mejía, a former immigrant who now rails against immigrants. Read his positions in Wikipedia and you may be shocked how he has shifted 180 degrees to curry MAGA’s favor.
Anyway, Alisa, you are doing the right thing or your dad and yourself. More power to you. Please don’t stop investigating and reporting. But please be careful!
Bernie Moreno! Yikes - Stephen Miller #2. He wants to do away with dual citizenship. And yes, Alisa is doing the right thing. As I said in a previous post, hopefully, she is in a functioning democracy. That alone, will be a joy and a comfort (not to mention it will be much better in terms of her father).
Alisa, I am so relieved to hear that your relocation is going well, though I’ll bet it is a process with many hiccups along the way—I don’t suppose it is all complete yet.
On the way to being ancient myself, and having watched several relatives go through dementia, it is reassuring to hear your new country has such a humane approach to elder care.
If you had moved to Ireland, which I don’t suppose you have, I’d say, “Failte isteach, Alisa, cead mile failte.” Literally: “welcome inside, Alisa, a hundred thousand welcomes.”
And you would be welcome here, you could teach our own politicians a thing or to about justice for all and responsibility to the greater good. I’m sure our own excellent investigative journalists would welcome you too.
Thank you for this article on how we have abandoned our elderly. My mother died of Alzheimer’s. We were lucky to have in home care paid for by an insurance policy my dad had, but the cost was substantially more and it ate down their savings until she passed. We need to do better.
The elderly are treated horribly in the US. They are highly respected in Asian countries as well. I am glad you found care for your father in your new area. We are seeing elder abuse happening on a national level and it’s sad a lot of them were bamboozled into voting this regime in. Exposing them to Fox is elder abuse, imo.
I am so glad you got out safe. We escaped about 7 months ago and currently live in Costa Rica with our transgender son and his partner. When our son needed surgery it was a much easier process, the quality of care was incredible, and the full cost was less than the deductible in the states.
We treat our elders in this country disgracefully. I used to work in a memory care center and it was albeit upscale but just appalling.
Thank you Alisa. My family and I had to deal with corporate America when we were forced to place my father in memory care. He was also a scholar and a highly regarded professor who worked at a prestigious university (similar to your father). I am so sorry for the circumstances that this country and its body politic has forced upon you. I recently returned to my country of origin but am back in the US now so have a different perspective than many Americans. Stay safe my friend. I have moved a lot in my life (many times many countries). At least you will be in a functioning democracy no doubt, and that will be soothing. In fact it will be more comforting than you may think. I returned to my country of origin recently and I can’t tell you how much solace I derived from that very fact. I was able to watch people just living their lives in a functional democracy. No surrealism. No dystopia. No “DON’T talk about it”. In fact, I made it a point to talk about the US and to tell them just how bad it is because they don’t really know. They can only surmise. Most certainly, they can’t understand. However, the interesting fact is that they know far more about the state of affairs than 95% of Americans. The world is watching and they are horrified (especially our former allies).
I want to add that I sincerely hope you continue your excellent work. You give us knowledge, strength and support.
I'm so very sorry for all you are experiencing. It's truly trying caring for our parents as they decline, let alone being uprooted in the most horrible way. May you keep safe and find the strength to make it through each day. 🕊️
Thank you, Alisa. It’s a small consolation but you bring light to us even in your own dark times. You are truly a gift to us all
Please take care, Alisa, and best wishes to you and your family!
I love the photo of your dad as a young boy! Wonderful picture!
Thank you so much for remembering for ALL of us what CARE can and should be. We forget, because we are surrounded by this culture. Thank you for this and all your work. Thank you to your parents and the stars for you! You are so so so brilliant. Thank you for existing. 🥲🤍
Apparently I can’t link it, but Counterpunch has an article about advances in Alzeimers care in Cuba. Author’s name is Macdonald Stainsby. Thought you might find it interesting
Thank you for the update. Been fretting. It sounds promising for you regarding treatment and what a relief re your Dad. I wish you healing and safety, sobre todo la securidad.
What an excellent article, thank you. As an Australian I feel so privileged, we have 'free' health care, it only takes a small 1.5% of income tax per individual to set up a failsafe system for everyone. If you're unemployed or elderly and no longer in the workforce you get free healthcare as well as workers. Aged care facilities are legally required to provide a percentage of their rooms for the underprivileged , there are also aged care facilities run by religions and private companies. You really do need to have a house to sell however to pay for your care when moving into most places. What a sad indictment it is on America that the health system there is an expensive and sometimes deadly system. It's a shame on the entire government that people can be allowed to die for lack of funds. Re moving overseas, you did the right thing, not only for your dad, but for your own peace of mind. Another sad thing about America, people can be driven out of their homes by hate and life threatening circumstances. Nobody seems to think that this is unusual or wrong, or worth doing something about. As long as they have their guns, and can abuse anyone they like, it's all good. Best wishes to you and your family.
Many sad things about America. I am originally from NZ later Canada and now the US. There are better ways to run a country (like offering National health care for instance) but Americans will never realize this. They suffer from "American Exceptionalism Syndrome" . They also have indoctrinated their citizenry into believing that national healthcare is "socialist'. As Alisa herself says, she is left of left (similar to myself). I feel confident in saying this because I have lived here for over 50 years now. I have dealt with exactly the same situation as Alisa placing my father is memory care. It was extremely difficult and drained them of all their assets. At one point we paid $3000/mo. for healthcare and then there was the memory care on top of that. The healthcare situation in the US is horrendous. Corporate mega donors have diluted the opposition party because they donate to both sides. However, I will say that currently, it is an extremely complex situation with a a lot of layers. Many Americans do not agree with the disparity of wealth concentration, gun culture and untethered capitalism (which has now become fascism)together with an inferior health care system. Many Americans are actually good people who are not arrogant and wish to be ethical global citizens. I just felt the need to explain that not all Americans are arrogant, abusive gun toting individuals. It is all so very sad to see this democracy decline in real time. And yes, there is most definitely resistance here.
The Inheritance Extraction Industry. Business is booming.
Got that right!
Market capture, then sell the assets for parts. LA healthcare has been captured by Private Equity. One example.
Gawd knows what state healthcare will be in within ten years. It’s easy to understand why people are leaving. And … isn’t that their goal?
Hopalong Cassidy. I remember reading his adventures in comic books.
Alisa, I was born and raised in Colombia (78 years ago), and was sent to the USA because schooling was so great here. So said my parents amid great sacrifices to get me a good education so I could attend a gringo college. After college my American wife and I returned to Colombia and both of our kids were born there. But fate marks its own path and we ended up living in New England where with hard work we fared well. That was in different times.
But why do I tell you this? Because no matter where in LatAm you go, you will find that people are much more caring and loving than they are here in the land of individualism and screw my neighbor. You are making a wise choice. Your father will be well cared for by people who will treat him with respect and dignity. They will actually love him regardless of the state of his mind. I don’t worry about you because clearly you will land on your feet and make a go of it wherever you are.
But I do mourn with you the fact that you have to flee your own country. Ay ay ay! That’s not supposed to happen here. And to me the saddest thing is that our government is doing all it can (especially all illegal things that it can) to make the Latin America of old, as ruthless as the USA of today. Honduras, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia, Argentina all now have right wing governments who kowtow to el innombrable. Cuba will probably be next to fall. Colombia’s presidential elections are this coming Sunday and they are crucial.
One of the “witnesses” to ensure "fair" elections (I miss Jimmy Carter.) will be Bogotá-born and now US Senator Bernie Moreno whose real name is Bernardo Francisco Moreno Mejía, a former immigrant who now rails against immigrants. Read his positions in Wikipedia and you may be shocked how he has shifted 180 degrees to curry MAGA’s favor.
Anyway, Alisa, you are doing the right thing or your dad and yourself. More power to you. Please don’t stop investigating and reporting. But please be careful!
Bernie Moreno! Yikes - Stephen Miller #2. He wants to do away with dual citizenship. And yes, Alisa is doing the right thing. As I said in a previous post, hopefully, she is in a functioning democracy. That alone, will be a joy and a comfort (not to mention it will be much better in terms of her father).
Alisa, I am so relieved to hear that your relocation is going well, though I’ll bet it is a process with many hiccups along the way—I don’t suppose it is all complete yet.
On the way to being ancient myself, and having watched several relatives go through dementia, it is reassuring to hear your new country has such a humane approach to elder care.
If you had moved to Ireland, which I don’t suppose you have, I’d say, “Failte isteach, Alisa, cead mile failte.” Literally: “welcome inside, Alisa, a hundred thousand welcomes.”
And you would be welcome here, you could teach our own politicians a thing or to about justice for all and responsibility to the greater good. I’m sure our own excellent investigative journalists would welcome you too.
Thank you for this article on how we have abandoned our elderly. My mother died of Alzheimer’s. We were lucky to have in home care paid for by an insurance policy my dad had, but the cost was substantially more and it ate down their savings until she passed. We need to do better.
The elderly are treated horribly in the US. They are highly respected in Asian countries as well. I am glad you found care for your father in your new area. We are seeing elder abuse happening on a national level and it’s sad a lot of them were bamboozled into voting this regime in. Exposing them to Fox is elder abuse, imo.
I am so glad you got out safe. We escaped about 7 months ago and currently live in Costa Rica with our transgender son and his partner. When our son needed surgery it was a much easier process, the quality of care was incredible, and the full cost was less than the deductible in the states.