Closing the Revolving Door

A lot of the issues we see with the leading edge of the aging population are aggravated by our outmoded approach.  Make the analogy to deafness. Many people deny that they are having trouble hearing. They avoid social events. They don't even know that they are not hearing most of what is said. Their ability to benefit from treatment deteriorates as their language skills disappear. Their hearing loss becomes an unnecessary burden.

There is a stigma attached to being old or needing some help. Seniors' largest fear by far is being a burden on their family. This results in many people putting off getting help far too long. The result is increasing isolation, poor nutrition, desocialization, and the very stress on their families that they wish to avoid. Often it ends with premature hospitalizations or institutionalization, which starts the cycle of crisis, treatment, slow recovery, and another crisis.

We think aging should be approached like every other stage of life, with as much autonomy, independence and joy as possible.  The tremendous capabilities of the older group need to be utilized to grow our society. We have learned that a little help very early on is invaluable. A small investment can delay the onset of serious issues and greatly reduce stress on the family.

The Baby Boom generation has redefined every life phase it has passed through. It will continue to do so. They will demand and get what they need. So we can expect the whole perception of being older to change, probably much for the better. Current research indicates that seniors do better with paid care, and that the stress on families is enormous if they are trying to provide increasing care while managing their marriages, jobs, and children.

More families are contacting us at Home Instead Senior Care directly, without a referral and before a crisis. Many are gathering information for the future. We encourage that trend. It is OK to get some help so mom can still go to the Farmer's Market or travel, or attend her social gatherings. We believe that can enhance the quality of life for seniors and their caregivers. It can also reduce those first crises.

We want to truly change the face of aging. It should be empowered and happy, not filled with angst.

For more information about this and other senior related issues, please visit our website at: 

            www.hearthside-homeinstead.com 

Home Instead Senior Care:  

Trusted Care For The Senior You Care For