A new year is upon us, and as time moves forward, more and more people are working harder to make ends meet and provide for their families. One demographic of our population that has been overlooked, are our seniors, (those 65 and older).
The senior population has been growing, and more rapidly within the last 5 years. On March 9th 2006, the US Census Bureau projected that the US population age 65 and older will have doubled by the year 2030. That is 1 of every 5 persons in the US will be 65 years of age or older, approximately 72 million people, with the fastest growing segment being age 85 and older. This in part is due to better health, longer life expectancy, and the baby boomers coming of age.
Despite their better health and longevity, our seniors are being left out in the cold, with no one, or very few people and resources to assist them in enjoying their golden years, after having served their families, and country. Too often we hear reports of seniors needing help because of lack of care, or minimal access to people and resources.
Some families are also finding themselves in a crisis situation, because they are not able to care for their elderly loved ones due to financial and/or physical constraints, (whether by distance or disability), and they are not aware of what local resources are available to assist them. Some available resources are The Department of Health and Human services or eldercare.gov eldercare.gov/. You can also do an online search for elderly and home care, or contact your local Health and Human Services agency, (usually always listed in the phone book under government agencies), to see what local companies or agencies are available in your area that may have be of benefit.
Although the senior home care agencies are not an enormously large industry and are widely available, they can provide some crucial services to the community. Most offer some type of respite care, hourly (with a 2 - 4 hour minimum), short-term, or long-term care and also includes weekends and holidays. Prices can range from $15 to $22 per hour. This becomes extremely beneficial when families need a respite from daily care-giving, or are not able to be there. Some insurance policies cover nonmedical senior care but you must first consult your insurance agency to have that verified and what conditions apply. As with any company or individual you will need to verify and do research on the providers of this service and their employees.
Senior care companies can provide services that can help to maintain the independence, and activity that seniors and their families are seeking. They provide nonmedical services, such as companionship, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housework, transportation, errands, and arranging medical/non-medical appointments and social outings and events.
These services provide many families with the peace of mind in knowing that their love ones are okay, and well-taken-care-of. Some agencies like tlccompanioncare.com TLC Companion Care, Inc have extended their service to families that are in need of assistance such as new moms and/or dads, and those who are in need of any assistance to maintain their independence and standard of living in their own home.
For more information, please click on any of the above links to contact someone and ask questions, or call your local Health and Human Services agency.
Greg Liverpool is a Business/Systems Analysis and Software/Web-Site Developer, providing Business & Computer Solutions. Enhancing the lives of people and business with innovative products & services. [thomasliverpoolandco.com/]
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