Tips for Offering Support to Older Adults

Meeting the needs of aging has become a global challenge for families. As we grow older and daily tasks become more complicated, it helps to have support. Many people need support to live safely and comfortably. This isn't always possible when an older adult lives far away from relatives. However, with the proper use of technology (and some other clever strategies), it's still possible to help. 

Companionship

Arguably the most important aspect of elder care is ensuring the individual feels secure and part of a community.

• Using video calling platforms such as Google Meets or Zoom, you can connect from anywhere in the world.  

• Social media is an invaluable asset for lonely seniors looking to make friends or find others with similar interests.

• Using online directories, you may be able to point the individual in the direction of local clubs or social events they were otherwise unaware of.

Home Habits

Most seniors want to stay in their homes as long as possible, and there are a few things that can help.

• There are some general guidelines that will help seniors preserve their health for as long as possible.

• These can be accompanied by habits to stay productive and successful, including several things that can start your day on the right foot.

• Consider ways to future-proof bathrooms to support seniors as they age.

Housing

Our housing options change as we grow older, and sometimes an individual may need assistance navigating and deciding upon one.

• Many seniors do not need to move out of their own property and can receive care and support at home.

• If their medical needs are too great, they may require an assisted living residency. These are designed to provide maximum independence.

• Residential care homes are for seniors who don't require 24-hour assistance. They provide a certain amount of independence but temper this with medical and practical help.

 Errands

Daily tasks and chores can often become a struggle, and it helps to have helping hands (even from afar)

• One key task for seniors is to settle and organize paperwork. This can often be expedited when you combine PDFs into one file, so they're more readable and arranged more neatly. Or you can peruse the PDF documents they send you, then just extract the needed page from the PDF to send back.

• Groceries can represent a problem for many seniors, but you can assist them by ordering deliveries on their behalf.

• You might be able to adapt your business practices to facilitate the older generations, helping them with daily functional tasks.

As we grow older, life is never easy, but it is made easier by the use of technology and the kindness of others. Take the initiative, and you could make a difference even if you don't live nearby.

Are You Ready for Old Age?

Many of us still have aging parents and family members, and we see the process of growing old. When declining health, mobility problems, memory issues, and the frailty of aging limit our ability to remain independent, our family will need to step in - unless we have had the foresight of proper planning.

Richard J. Hodes, M.D., the Director of the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health, says that older people are a rapidly growing proportion of the world's population.

People are living longer, but that does not necessarily mean that they are living healthier. The increase in our aging population presents many opportunities and also several public health challenges that we need to prepare for. NIA has partnered with Census to provide the best possible data so that we can better understand the course and implications of population aging.

Long-Term Care Costs are Growing

Professional long-term health care services can be costly. Even in-home care is expensive, and these costs rise sharply yearly. If you are 50 today, the cost of in-home care in the year 2052 will average about $10,364 a month (based on the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator national average).

You can look at the calculator and see the current and future cost of care services where you live - including adult day care, assisted living, and nursing homes. You will discover these costs can be financially challenging, even if you have substantial savings. 

The problem of long-term health care and aging is more than just about money. The consequences on your family are emotionally and physically demanding. Family caregivers are also untrained and unprepared for the role.

Think about it. You want to protect your assets and access quality care options. Few people don't. You want to reduce the stress and anxiety that is placed on those you love. Few people don't. However, there is more.

Needs and Desires as We Get Older

• Social interaction is a basic human right that shouldn't be overlooked just because you are older. You will want to feel safe and secure. Technology can help, but this basic need increases as we age. 

• If you suffer from memory problems, you will want support to promote your safety. 

• You may need assistance with routine living activities, so you don't go without or risk falling or hurting yourself in the process. 

• You want choice. The choice to live in your home and receive quality care from professionally trained caregivers is a common desire. If you need a facility, you will want one close to friends and family that will meet your needs and in an environment that makes living desirable. Many assisted living facilities are now available that can meet your requirements. 

Have the Money?

All this costs money. All of this needs to be managed. Advance planning can make getting older easier on your family and finances. For many families, Long-Term Care Insurance can play an important role. A policy will provide guaranteed tax-free benefits that give you access to quality care options and control. Many policies offer case management to help your family during the process of developing a plan of care and finding quality care providers.

Some people think Long-Term Care Insurance is expensive. If you have good health and obtain coverage before you retire, you will be very surprised at how affordable a policy can be.

See for yourself - How Much Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cost?

Understanding the realities of aging once you get past age 50 will make the process of getting older easier for everyone. For older family members who need help now, be sure they get the proper care and support they desire. For you ... maybe start investigating options and get a plan in place to avoid the chaos decades from now.