Senior Care

Senior Care


Senior care is more important than ever a time in our history. Yes, people do turn a year older every year, but the start of 2011 signifies an important period for the baby boomer population. The oldest baby boomers will turn 65 years old this year. Although, it is only start, according to Pew Research Center projections. The center states that around 10,000 additionally baby boomers will cross that level every day for the next 19 years. That is over 69 million people that will turn 65 by 2030. Pew Research Center states that by that time 18 percent of the nation’s population will be at least 65 years old. Compare that to just 13% of the population who are that age today. Those statistics show a surge of increased demand for senior services in the ensuing years. This phenomenon will undoubtedly lead to an increased demand for senior care housing and place improbable stress on the nation’s Medicare system, observers in the healthcare industry say.

Senior Care & Baby Boomers

USA Today recently stated a fact that the federal government believes that 76 million baby boomers will be on Medicare by 2030. The report shows that when you, the Medicare program will grow from 47 million today to 80 million in 2030. During that same period, though, health care costs are projected to ride higher than inflation. Additionally, advancements in the medical field mean people are living longer, which will further strain the system.

Here are some statistics on the state of senior care giving in the U.S. that were released from a major study:

• As seniors live into their 80′s and 90′s, they underestimate the resources they will need to live to those ages. As a result more of them will have to find employment.
• Over 80% of seniors suggest they want to remain in their own homes.
• Beginning in 2011, over 8,000 people very day will turn 85 years old.
• By 2525, there will be an estimated 72 million seniors. This is over 20% of the population.
• The national cost of a private room in a nursing home is about $231 per day or almost $80,000 a year.

Even though the baby boomers are among the healthiest generations, many will still need some degree of care as they age. Because of the enormous population, the number of caregivers is expected to rise considerably. Caregivers will provide senior care varying from part time care to full time care.

Here are 5 general senior care options:

• Living at Home
• Independent Living Communities
• In-Home Care
• Assisted Living
• Nursing Home

Living at Home

This is the most popular option, since over 80% of seniors are saying that they want to live at home. Many seniors thrive on their own or within a home with family members. They may need some medical assistance like everyone does now and then. However, the reality is that their life is not much different than prior to becoming an “official” senior.

This group, which makes up the largest amount of seniors sees family and friends, travels and remains active in the their community.

Independent Living Communities

Independent living communities are housing that is recognized for residents age 55 years and older. This means that while visits are okay, but individuals under the age of 55 normally do not live in the communities. Generally, the seniors live in condos, town homes, or single family homes. There may be a common community area for activities, meetings, and outings.

The communities are designed to provide security, safety, and a sense of well being and belonging for their residents.

In-Home Care

In-home care covers a wide array of situations. It may include:

• Companionship and visits with caregivers.
• Assistance with day to day tasks such as paying bills, doing chores, and shopping.
• Comprehensive care such as caring for a senior suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Associated with this, are programs called adult day care. These community centers provide vehicles to pick up their clients each day and bring them to a facility. The facility might contain a hair salon, a place for meals, planned activities, and exercise areas. However, at the end of the day, the seniors are brought back to their homes.

Occasionally, adult day care is used to provide a break for an in home caregiver or family caring for a loved senior. The caregivers are able to receive some time away to take care of errands or just to get some time by themselves.

Senior Care Assisted Living

While numerous facilities are called assisted living, the senior care provided can be all over the spectrum. Generally, assisted living is planned for individuals that need assistance with the activities of daily living (ADL).

These homes could either be large or small and specialized. They can house just a few or hundreds of residents.

Nursing Home Care

Nursing homes or Geriatric Centers are often the last places chosen for senior care. You can find useful information on other long term care options in addition to choosing a nursing home at http://www.medicare.gov/Nursing/Overview.asp.

Since nursing homes are a long term care option, it is essential to carry out intense due diligence prior to choosing an option. Options for Nursing homes are centered on the needs of the individual. Here are some factors to think about when choosing a nursing home:

• Staff - When you visit a nursing home prior to making a decision, note if the staff is friendly and treats the residents with respect. Find out if certified nursing assistants are available and if registered nurses are present on a full time basis. Also, see if a social worker and a doctor are readily available.
• Safety - Ask about the nursing home’s emergency plans and how they compare in the latest federal or state report.
• Rooms  - Take a look at the rooms to see if they suit the space needs of the residents including whether or not:
• Personal belongings may be safely stored there.
• There is access to a phone and tv.
• Policies and procedures exist to ensure the safety and protection of all residents.

Our Network

MedCareLink has partnered with highly skilled senior care centers worldwide. Our aim is to help our patients seek the best senior care options available at affordable prices.

Feel free to contact us now. If you are in the USA or Canada, call us toll free at 1.888.832.2089. If you are calling from an international location, please dial us directly at 1.949.783.6827. You can also click on CONTACT US in the menu above and submit your information in the contact form.