About one year ago, select Medicare programs that were once only approachable by non-profit groups began to allow for-profit companies to step in and assist. PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), a part of Medicare and Medicaid, is a program that helps seniors to get the care and assistance that they need without having to go into a nursing home to get it. Recently, this program began to allow smaller, for-profit companies to assist with their goal.
This has been seen most prominently by Silicon Valley companies getting involved in senior care more than ever before. Video conferencing with a doctor can often be done instead of in person visits. This saves time and money, and can often be more than enough to accomplish what needs to be done. It’s not perfect for everyone, but for many it is helpful. There are other areas where for-profit businesses are becoming prominent in senior care, but this is one remarkable change that you might have already heard of.
There has been opposition to this switch. For one, many people worry that allowing for-profit companies to target seniors will lead to a greater commercialism within the industry. Others worry that this will lead to the exploitation of an already vulnerable age group. Before you start looking at any programs like this for an elderly relative, it’s important to acknowledge that both of these worries could potentially occur. If you are aware of the issue, it is far less likely that you or a loved one will fall victim to it.
But there is more at stake than just companies swooping in to make a quick buck here and there. In fact, the for-profit angle is what Medicare officials are hoping will attract more companies. By giving more companies footing in the in-home care business and the services associated with it, it is hoped that this sector and the quality that is provided within can expand at a faster rate than it has been. As you know, the senior care industry is beginning to fall behind thanks to the fact that the senior citizen population is so much larger today than it has been in the past. By opening the doors to new companies, it is hoped that this sector will grow and the quality of care that is being given will be better than ever at the same time. It’s a lofty goal, but it is a great way to address the issue of senior care.
When you’re looking for care for a parent, do remember that there is quite a bit of opportunity for your loved one to be taken advantage of. This is true in any industry, but when it comes to senior care, the demographic is much more vulnerable than if you were out shopping for a new laptop. This is the quality of life of a loved one that we are talking about her, and for that reason, it’s important that you be vigilant in your pursuit of the best care possible.
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