Our next three blog posts will speak to the issue of how an elder finds and selects a caregiver to help them with non-medical needs. Demographers tell us that 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 every day.  That rough approximation will continue until 2029!  With medical advances, reduced smoking, improved dietary habits, and other lifestyle changes the American public is beginning to make, more and more of those folks will live to a “ripe old age!”  According to the Centers for Disease Control, persons who turned 65 in 2010 may expect to live an average of 19.1 years, with some variability between genders and races.  This translates to an average life expectancy of 84.1 years.  Clearly, Americans are living longer than in previous generations.

With advancing age, however, comes the onset of typical symptoms of aging.  The probability that we will experience physical disability, memory problems, problems in ambulation and dexterity, and chronic illness and disease increases as we age.  More and more Americans will live to 80, 90, and 100 than ever before.  As they continue to age, an increasing percentage of them will require some level of assistance to be safe and have their daily needs met.

The home care industry was established to assist elder Americans to cope with these issues, and it continues to grow.  There are several facets to the home care industry.  Some elder Americans require medical assistance to remain in their homes; some require non-medical interventions.  The challenge for the elder American, and/or his or her representatives, is to find a caregiver or a skilled nursing expert who is honest, caring and compassionate, able to meet the client’s needs, and meets other requirements of the position.  The caregiver may be hired independently or may be hired through an agency or company.  This blog is intended to assist you in finding that care for yourself or your loved one.

Check next week for Part 2!