The divorce rate among the elderly has been traditionally lower than among the younger population. Often the elderly are faced with the prospect of a divorce, breaking up an otherwise happy marriage, when one spouse requires long term care that the couple can not afford. If a couple does not have enough money or coverage to pay for necessary care but has too many assets to qualify for Medicaid, a divorce is often recommended to protect available assets for the well spouse.
The issues relating to a divorce will have a direct impact on your children. Their living situation and emotional stability will be affected. Additionally, the lifestyle they enjoyed while their parents remained together will change.
Children of divorce will often feel they are at fault for their parents’ separation. I have previously spoken about providing outside care to your children, such as a psychiatrist, if they seem to be struggling. However it is also important that your children feel comfortable talking to you about the divorce and its consequences for them. This does not mean that parents should discuss the negative aspects of their relationship. Rather, each parent should demonstrate their support of their children and continually assert that the divorce was not their offspring’s fault. Additionally, parents should be open to answer questions in a positive manner and provide a comfortable forum for their children to express their concerns.
