Most people know that the Baby Boomer generation–that generation that was born right after the end of World War II–was the largest population boom ever seen at the time in the United States. Millions of people were born in the decade following the conclusion of the war, and those born during this time are now senior citizens. There has been a lot of concern voiced during the last decade about the needs that these individuals will have when it comes to senior care. Some people have even referred to this as the senior care crisis because of the fact that so many infrastructure changes will be necessary to adequately care for these people.
The population boom explanation alone would explain the cause of a senior care crisis, but this isn’t the only thing occurring. Once you take into account the fact that many Baby Boomers have living parents who also are in need of assistance, the situation takes on a whole new tone.
Senior care professionals are needed that know the different needs that Baby Boomers have, and also what the needs of what has been dubbed “The Greatest Generation.” Depending on what you are looking for when setting up care for a family member, you will want to ensure that the skillset of the in-home care service that you employ will cover what your needs are.
Of course, there is likely going to be a bit of overlap in most situations. But the fact that different generations will have different expectations and needs when it comes to care is inevitable. When you use a caregiver from outside of your family to assist a loved one, be sure that they have the experience and knowledge necessary to provide great care in your family’s specific situation. Finding a care service that ensures that their employees are not only trained, but are continuously being re-trained and educated about new or developing caregiving practices, can be an easy way to be positive that you are hiring the right professional for your parent or grandparent.
And above all, you should be ensuring that any caregiver–family member or professional–is compassionate. Compassionate care is what really separates a great caregiver from an adequate caregiver. When someone truly loves other people and making sure that they get the best, what technical experience they might not have is made up for in their approach. A loving caregiver with training and emergency preparedness is the ideal candidate to assist your family.
Sometimes families wait until there is some sort of “triggering event” before they start addressing their loved one’s care needs. While this is often the wake up call that’s needed to make sure that care is in place, it shouldn’t be this way except in extreme circumstances. Having a plan in place now, even before your loved one truly needs care will help you to make sure that your mom or dad, grandmother or grandfather, gets the best senior care that you can provide for them. Discussing it with them beforehand will make the process go even more smoothly.
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