Regular readers of this blog know that the care shortage has been a main topic of discussion for years, even before the word “coronavirus” was in our vocabulary. While the pandemic exposed a lot of weaknesses in the care system, including the need for more employees, it also sped up the need for these things. Some communities have adapted to this, but most have not. The need for more caregivers is worse now than it has been in the past.
The elderly folks in our communities deserve better. They need better. We all need to know what we can do to help make it a little bit better in our own way.
Unfortunately, parts of the country are also seeing the price of care go up, all while it becomes harder to find the right care to meet your loved one’s needs. Price increases are normal, especially as the cost of living goes up. For the most part, the federal government does a good job of keeping up with this, giving appropriate cost of living adjustments to Social Security benefits as needed. This helps seniors that live on a fixed income to do a better job of keeping up with price increases in care, food, gas, and other expenses. But when the cost of care outpaces these changes, a real dilemma occurs. That’s where some parts of the country are headed. It only makes access to care tougher.
The care shortage looks like it is getting worse before it gets better, but that doesn’t mean that we are all helpless when it comes to our own loved ones.
The care shortage might be getting worse before it gets better, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t connect your family to the best care possible. True, each community faces a unique set of difficulties and obstacles, and it might be harder to find care in your part of the world than it is in others. But there are still things that you can do to keep your family safe and connected. One of the easiest things that you can do right now is to start learning the basics of care yourself. Some insurance companies will even pay you to do so. Because care can be expensive, some companies have found that it’s cheaper to pay a family member to be trained and provide family care than it is to hire a professional.
But this isn’t always a great choice. Sometimes care is needed immediately, or sometimes it is too intensive to allow a family member to provide it. In cases like this, a professional is the best way to go. Planning early and finding potential care sources before they are needed can be a good way to prepare. Finding a caregiver can be tough, but the sooner you start, the easier it will become.
Regardless of where you are in the care search, we can help you. If you’re looking for senior care, but you’re not quite sure what the next steps are for your family, it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. Having a team of pros on your side can make it easier. Even if you don’t go with a care service at all, we can help answer questions and get you headed in the right direction during a free consultation session. Give us a call or send an email to get the ball rolling. The sooner you start, the easier getting connected to the right resources will be, even during a care shortage.
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