FDR's Economic Bill of Rights vs. The Modern Sociopath Society: The financial persecution of the aged, the infirm, and their family caregivers

Above: President Franklin Roosevelt, ca. 1936. Photo from an uncredited postcard, and scanned from a personal copy.

FDR's Economic Bill of Rights and Old Age Illness: The path not taken

In his 1944 Second Bill of Rights speech, President Franklin Roosevelt advocated for the right of all Americans, "regardless of station, race, or creed," to have "The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health; The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment."

There were gains made in these areas during the New Deal--e.g., Social Security, and more healthcare services and facilities--and also in the first few decades after the New Deal--e.g., Medicare and Medicaid--but since then, with a few exceptions, it has been mostly downhill, mostly a rejection of FDR's Economic Bill of Rights in favor of a brutal, every-man-for-himself sort of public policy. Indeed, if Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid did not exist today--thanks to the legislation of years past--bills to create them would not pass in today's right-wing and neoliberal Congress.

In the realm of old age and family caregiving, there are indications (and in some cases clear evidence), that among the 53 million family caregivers in the U.S., there is extreme financial strain, an increased risk of bankruptcy, a risk of homelessness, higher rates of depression, and more frequent suicide ideation.

One might think, "Well, for goodness sake, don't try to take care of the person yourself, get them into a nursing home!" But there are serious physical and financial catastrophes associated with nursing homes as well, for example: Lack of appropriate funding (leading to staffing shortages and thus an increased risk of elder abuse); the requirement that nursing home patients be forcefully impoverished before Medicaid kicks in, leaving them with little or no means to protect their house and property (and here, it is important to note that many nursing home residents end up being discharged back to their homes - so it is important to maintain their homes in some modest manner); Medicaid Estate Recovery, which is a means for nursing homes to seize a deceased person's house (potentially forcing the former family caregiver into homelessness); debt collector harassment of family members to pay bills; and nursing homes discharging patients to "homeless shelters and rundown motels." The latter is called "patient dumping," which one law firm describes this way:

"It comes down to money. Nursing homes prioritize residents who bring in higher reimbursements, such as those covered by private insurance or short-term Medicare benefits. When a resident’s coverage changes--often when they transition to Medicaid--the nursing home suddenly finds a reason to discharge them... Residents who rely on Medicaid for long-term care bring in lower reimbursements, making them a financial target."

For many family caregivers and care recipients, it is a no-win situation. Family caregiving at the home runs a high risk of financial catastrophe, and nursing home placement runs a high risk of financial catastrophe.

Why is this happening? The reasons are many and complex, but the overarching reason is simple and straightforward. As a society, we have chosen selfishness and greed over FDR's call for economic security for all. We have prioritized tax cuts for the 1%--so that they can acquire sustainable luxury--over the common good, over the well-being of the elderly, the infirm, and those who care for them.

We have rejected FDR's advocacy for a Second Bill of Rights and rejected the New Deal and it ethos. In their place we have built, and are continuing to build a sociopathic (if not gleefully sadistic) society. I hate to put it that way, because there are many caring people who exist within this sociopath society, but the evidence, experience, and outcomes are so utterly clear. When we are impoverishing millions of family caregivers and care recipients, putting them in constant fear, while at the same time giving massive tax cuts to people who already dominate so much of our nation's wealth--so they can pursue more luxury, political power, and family legacy (a.k.a., our economic caste system)--and fail to stop it, year after year, decade after decade, that is sociopathy.

America, look in the mirror and tell me what you see. I've already told you what I see.