weekly March 18, 2024, Issue 901
Grappling With Elder Care
“There are four kinds of people in the world,” former First Lady Rosalynn Carter once said. “Those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.” As the U.S. population ages, more people in the radio and records industries – and, in fact, in every industry – are finding themselves in the position of needing to care for an elderly family member while juggling the demands of a job. Summit/Wichita, KS OM and KFDI PD/ midday host Justin Case made headlines when he stepped away from his 34-year Country radio career to care for his 88-year-old father in Indiana (CAT 1/17), becoming the latest in a series of high-profile Justin Case industry execs who have made similar moves. Scores more may not be in a position to relinquish a job, but are still facing the daunting challenges of caring for a senior family member. According to statistics compiled by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, family caregivers in the U.S. number 53 million, and are considered to be a “vulnerable population” – in part, because they often put the physical and mental health of the family members they’re caring for above their own. In a 2003 study, AARP found that 72% of caregivers have experienced emotional stress as a result of those responsibilities. The AARP study also found 21% of registered voters are currently caregivers, with the majority providing care for older adults, and nearly half (49%) expect to take on that role in the future. Asked to cite their biggest caregiving challenges, time and money were top concerns. Family caregivers spend an average of one-quarter (26%) of their income on caregiving. Most caregivers (61%) are also holding down a job, with the majority (60%) working at least 40 hours a week. But caregiving can affect that work. More than half have reported going in late, leaving early or needing to take time off, and 67% report having had to miss an important work meeting or event as a result of their caregiving responsibilities. Emotional Overload: Case, whose father had a heart attack in 2022 – the same year he lost his mother to frontal lobe dementia, says the decision to step away from radio was difficult. “You’re talking about leaving a career, saying goodbye to insurance and a salary and walking out there into the unknown,” he explains. “But I just can’t be not present for him.” (continued on page 7)
Well Done: MCA’s Kacey Musgraves and team at her Deeper Well album release show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Pictured (l-r) are Sandbox’s Jason Owen, Interscope’s Steve Berman and John Janick, Musgraves, Interscope’s Michelle An, Nick Miller and Jennifer Bowling, UMG/Nashville’s Cindy Mabe, Interscope’s Brittnie Grajeda, Gary Kelly, UMG/Nashville’s Chelsea Blythe and Sandbox’s Jake Basden.
When You Think Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw’s 30+ city 2024 Standing Room Only Tour kicked off in FL this past weekend, including a stop at Tampa’s Amalie Arena Friday (3/15), covered for Country Aircheck by WFUS PD Ashley Morrison and APD/ midday host Sarah Jacobs. The show marked Jacobs’ fourth time seeing McGraw. “It was his best so far,” she says. Adds Morrison, “Getting to see Tim McGraw on this tour, after seeing many before, will remind you of the success and longevity he’s had – hit after hit in a packed house.” Both praised opener Carly Pearce’s stage presence and vocal performance. “The arena was full in time for Carly, who had everyone
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