So true! I feel like is a big issue for aging seniors as well, watching my parents navigate all the medical portals and banking log-ins which causes a lot of stress.
This is such an important and concerning recognition, too! I heard of at least one airline where a person in their 80s had to pay extra just to speak to a human to address an issue that the airline was causing.
Related to this is that so many admin people these days don't seem to be on top of things anymore. I've noticed with healthcare (with the exception of Inova) admin people seem completely zoned out: not able to answer questions in person and often rude doing so and not knowing how their own system works. I was once at a doctor's office where the iPad pre-check system was so broken and redundant that I had to continue filling it out during the actual exam hearing exam. This was all info I had already sent to that office, but their two systems can't talk to each other. Instead of helping me, the front desk admin people who talking about how they were grateful to Trump for bringing back TikTok. I have to call or email companies multiple times to get them to send me a bill for a service they already fulfilled for me. I have to call reschedule services when they already have an admin person on staff, but it takes them over a month to get back to me.
Our library summer reading program is such a good example of this. When I was a kid, I kept a paper log in my bedroom and whenever we went to the library, I grabbed it with the books I had read and the librarian punched out my progress. Now, they have an app that you have to log how many minutes your kid reads if they're 6+ or how many physical books you read them if they're 5 and under. We just didn't sign up this year because I don't need more busy work!
Great example! I loved summer reading as a child and am so glad to know it’s still a thing, AND the parent admin you’re describing is absolutely not essential!
I should add declining to download more apps to the list.
The seven apps line lands. A thousand small administrations, none heavy alone, all carried at once. Freddie notices it is the carrying, not the weight, that tires.
I…my paid family assistant? I recently delegated to my husband figuring out where the extra $500 for my cancer acupuncturist is coming from this month. My au pair was unavailable for comment.
It’s not for everyone, but it’s not only for the few. Family assistants start at $179 a month. For many people this is within reach, especially if they prioritize calm and quality time highly.
In my area (DC) this is about the same as a typical date night. I worked with a couple who decided to do a walking date night 1x/month and reallocate the funds saved toward some extra help, because that was their priority during this season.
I’d be happy to support you to explore what form of relief might fit your family’s constraints! You can check out Marisol’s story (“The Presence Protocol in Action”) for a no-cost example.
I'm genuinely curious where a family assistant is only $179/month? I'm in the Boston area, and I'm seeing rates around $3k-$4k per month. The assistant would also be your employee, which adds another layer of complication.
I agree that becoming a household employer does add a layer of complexity, so it’s really nice to go through a service like Faye because they are the employer of record.
So true! I feel like is a big issue for aging seniors as well, watching my parents navigate all the medical portals and banking log-ins which causes a lot of stress.
Yes, that is so true! I was at a live event for parents recently and the main thing people asked me about was insurance claims, etc for their parents!
This is such an important and concerning recognition, too! I heard of at least one airline where a person in their 80s had to pay extra just to speak to a human to address an issue that the airline was causing.
Even with my medical provider Ive opted out. They can call. Im just done with all of it.
It all adds up to so much. I’m glad you are finding ways to make it more manageable!
Related to this is that so many admin people these days don't seem to be on top of things anymore. I've noticed with healthcare (with the exception of Inova) admin people seem completely zoned out: not able to answer questions in person and often rude doing so and not knowing how their own system works. I was once at a doctor's office where the iPad pre-check system was so broken and redundant that I had to continue filling it out during the actual exam hearing exam. This was all info I had already sent to that office, but their two systems can't talk to each other. Instead of helping me, the front desk admin people who talking about how they were grateful to Trump for bringing back TikTok. I have to call or email companies multiple times to get them to send me a bill for a service they already fulfilled for me. I have to call reschedule services when they already have an admin person on staff, but it takes them over a month to get back to me.
Our library summer reading program is such a good example of this. When I was a kid, I kept a paper log in my bedroom and whenever we went to the library, I grabbed it with the books I had read and the librarian punched out my progress. Now, they have an app that you have to log how many minutes your kid reads if they're 6+ or how many physical books you read them if they're 5 and under. We just didn't sign up this year because I don't need more busy work!
Great example! I loved summer reading as a child and am so glad to know it’s still a thing, AND the parent admin you’re describing is absolutely not essential!
I should add declining to download more apps to the list.
The seven apps line lands. A thousand small administrations, none heavy alone, all carried at once. Freddie notices it is the carrying, not the weight, that tires.
I…my paid family assistant? I recently delegated to my husband figuring out where the extra $500 for my cancer acupuncturist is coming from this month. My au pair was unavailable for comment.
It’s not for everyone, but it’s not only for the few. Family assistants start at $179 a month. For many people this is within reach, especially if they prioritize calm and quality time highly.
In my area (DC) this is about the same as a typical date night. I worked with a couple who decided to do a walking date night 1x/month and reallocate the funds saved toward some extra help, because that was their priority during this season.
I’d be happy to support you to explore what form of relief might fit your family’s constraints! You can check out Marisol’s story (“The Presence Protocol in Action”) for a no-cost example.
I'm genuinely curious where a family assistant is only $179/month? I'm in the Boston area, and I'm seeing rates around $3k-$4k per month. The assistant would also be your employee, which adds another layer of complication.
https://www.findfaye.com/#code=thirdshift20 it’s actually only $169!
I agree that becoming a household employer does add a layer of complexity, so it’s really nice to go through a service like Faye because they are the employer of record.
Appreciate it!