Pennsylvania has taken great strides to try and improve the amount of oversight and regulation that nursing homes have in order to protect its senior population, but state officials admit that there’s still a long way to go if the elderly individuals that reside there are going to be given the high standard of living that they deserve during their senior years.
Like much of the country, PA expects to see a large rise in the number of people above the age of 65 that live there. Right now, that age group accounts for about 15 percent of the population. By the year 2025, it’s expected that those 65 and older will account for 25 percent of the total population. Even though Pennsylvania only has a population of around 13 million people, this is still a major shift in demographics, and one that needs to be accounted for with a changing infrastructure when it comes to how care is provided.
Right now, there are simply not enough care workers throughout the United States to account for the number of seniors that are expected to be present if aging trends continue. The Baby Boomer generation is now at or nearing 65 years of age, and it’s only a matter of time before these individuals start requiring senior care assistance. Ensuring that the facilities that provide this care are doing so in an adequate manner is important. States like Pennsylvania are taking measures early in order to make sure that there are as few gaps in oversight before the situation worsens.
This is one of the good things about our government. By being aware of these trends through census surveys and other measures, we can prepare for these needs before they get out of control. While a lot of the media has focused on the potential of a care crisis, the measures that are being taken to avert such a crisis should also be focused on. A lot of good things are happening on this front!
Ultimately, there’s a lot that all of us can do when it comes to helping our older loved ones live in as happy and healthy of a manner as possible. Better care is just one way that we can go about making this happen. When we have the best possible type of care for the people that we love, we can be assured that we are giving them the retirement years that they deserve. Sometimes this means residing within a high quality nursing home, other times it means helping the people that we love stay in their homes for longer periods of time. Each situation is a bit different, so be aware of the situation that your family faces, including any special needs present within your elderly loved ones. Those who suffer from dementia, for example, will have different needs than those recovering from a stroke. Find a caregiver that understands these differences, and work from there.
Your family will be happier and safer as a result of your attention to detail. And, if we can help, let us know.
Leave a Reply