In the late 70s and early 80s, large numbers of women returned to the workplace on a full time basis. This led to a boom in the child care industry as many facilities popped up across the United States to fill the need for two income families. The child care industry increase from just under 300,000 child-care workers in 1985 to just over 800,000 workers in 2007.
History is repeating itself but this time around, the increase is in the amount of senior caregivers and facilities across our nation. According to Home Instead Senior Care, it appears that the senior care industry is following the trends of the child-care boom. Personal and home care nurses and aides are expected to grow by more than 50 percent between the years 2006 and 2016. This is an increase in jobs from 767,000 to 1.5 million according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Personal aides who help seniors at home with meal preperation, light housekeeping and general companionship is the second fastest growing occupation in the industry.
Boomers have been the key in fueling both industries. It was their children that boomed child-care and it is now their parents that are creating the need for new services and regulations for the elderly. This "sandwich" generation is the stimulus for industry growths and declines. Who knows if we will ever see this type of history repeat itself with future generations.
Showing posts with label elderly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elderly. Show all posts
February 21, 2009
February 19, 2009
Incontinence and the Elderly
Just a quick example of an article that you can also find in the Advice section of our web site, www.fenwaymedical.com.
Excerpts from Department of Urology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan.
A probability sample of noninstitutionalized elderly people in Washtenaw County, Michigan, was interviewed to determine the relationship between urinary incontinence and various health conditions. The results show that between both male and female respondents physical mobility problems, specific neurologic symptoms, lower urinary tract problems, bowel problems, respiratory problems, and history of genital surgery are more prevalent among those who are incontinent than among those who are continent. Additional factors associated with incontinence in females are: history of parent and sibling incontinence, incontinence either during pregnancy or postpartum, hearing problems, use of female hormones, and vaginal infections. Incontinence among males is associated with vision problems and a history of and symptoms of cardiovascular disease. These findings suggest urinary incontinence is part of a complex and multifactorial problem. Further studies are needed to confirm and explain these findings.
Excerpts from Department of Urology, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan.
A probability sample of noninstitutionalized elderly people in Washtenaw County, Michigan, was interviewed to determine the relationship between urinary incontinence and various health conditions. The results show that between both male and female respondents physical mobility problems, specific neurologic symptoms, lower urinary tract problems, bowel problems, respiratory problems, and history of genital surgery are more prevalent among those who are incontinent than among those who are continent. Additional factors associated with incontinence in females are: history of parent and sibling incontinence, incontinence either during pregnancy or postpartum, hearing problems, use of female hormones, and vaginal infections. Incontinence among males is associated with vision problems and a history of and symptoms of cardiovascular disease. These findings suggest urinary incontinence is part of a complex and multifactorial problem. Further studies are needed to confirm and explain these findings.
February 13, 2009
Wave of the Future?
A sheriff in Genesee County, MI has teamed up with an Elder Care Abuse & Prevention program to utilize technology to care for elderly loved ones. Small GPS devices are being used with patients who have Alzheimer's and/or dementia. An unfortunate result of memory loss associated with these illnesses is the tendency for the person to wander. If not monitored by a caregiver or if the appropriate alarms or securities are not in place, a patient can wander from the home. When this happens, the results can often be tragic.
A total of 50 devices were purchased using federal grants and distributed by the prevention program. They attach to the senior's clothing with a clip and the light weight of the device (less than 3 ounces) does not hinder movement for the user. Caregivers, loved ones and even emergency services can go to a web site to monitor the exact location of the GPS.
Time will tell if this technology will catch on in other communities but with the aging of our society, the future is now.
A total of 50 devices were purchased using federal grants and distributed by the prevention program. They attach to the senior's clothing with a clip and the light weight of the device (less than 3 ounces) does not hinder movement for the user. Caregivers, loved ones and even emergency services can go to a web site to monitor the exact location of the GPS.
Time will tell if this technology will catch on in other communities but with the aging of our society, the future is now.
February 11, 2009
Eat Your Bananas
I wrote an article for the Fenway Medical advice page a couple of days ago, http://www.fenwaymedical.com/advice/127-eat-your-bananas.html, talking about a study of the sodium - potassium ratio in the body. We all know increased levels of sodium can be a cause of high blood pressure and pre-hypertension, especially in the elderly. This study come to the conclusion that an increased level of potassium intake can help "counteract" the effects of the sodium. We have also included quite a large list of food items that have high potassium contents to help you to include these into your diet. I knew the tale of eat your bananas but I must have missed the day when they taught us to eat our halibut and drink our prune juice.
February 10, 2009
Call Your Grandma
Today is my Grandma's birthday so I gave her a call earlier this evening. We sang happy birthday to her and she proceeded to tell me about her busy day. An orchid show, a trip to a candy factory and lunch with her sister..all very grandmotherly things to do. She was very happy to hear from me and very open with what she has been doing. I, of course, introduced myself at the beginning of the conversation but there is a scheme going around called Grandparent Scams that preys upon the elderly and their friendliness and often, lonliness.
Theives call a random phone number and hope to hear an elderly voice on the other end. If they reach their target, they start into a normal "how's it going" conversation and bombard your loved one with information and stories. This builds a comfort level with the senior and often makes them forget that the caller forgot to introduce themselves. After a few minutes of small talk, the thief begins their pitch. They tell made-up stories of hardship and how if they had a little money they would be able to turn the corner and set things straight. They often add the line, "please don't tell mom or dad or anyone else as I don't want them to know" to assure anonymity. When your confused loved one agrees to send some money, they send them a set delivery address and never call again.
Don't let your loved one be vicitmized by this scam. Though this may sound like a far fetched scam to those of us who are of good mind, an eldely person's cognitive senses can be muddled and confused. As a caregiver, let your parent know to watch out for theives like these as not all callers are phoning to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Theives call a random phone number and hope to hear an elderly voice on the other end. If they reach their target, they start into a normal "how's it going" conversation and bombard your loved one with information and stories. This builds a comfort level with the senior and often makes them forget that the caller forgot to introduce themselves. After a few minutes of small talk, the thief begins their pitch. They tell made-up stories of hardship and how if they had a little money they would be able to turn the corner and set things straight. They often add the line, "please don't tell mom or dad or anyone else as I don't want them to know" to assure anonymity. When your confused loved one agrees to send some money, they send them a set delivery address and never call again.
Don't let your loved one be vicitmized by this scam. Though this may sound like a far fetched scam to those of us who are of good mind, an eldely person's cognitive senses can be muddled and confused. As a caregiver, let your parent know to watch out for theives like these as not all callers are phoning to wish you a Happy Birthday.
February 9, 2009
Banking on the Future
In a small town in a remote province of China, a man on the verge of retirement has come up with quite an intereting idea. He has created the concept of "Age Banks". China is going to see a senior boom greater than that of the United States with one third of their population being over the age of 60 in the next forty years. Age Banks are designed with caregiving in mind. A volunteer can go into an Age Bank and spend time with an elderly member of the population who may not have family or loved ones to assist them. The hours that they spend volunteering is recorded and placed into their "bank" to be used on care towards themselves when they are the ones needing the assistance. Their work done shopping, cleaning, obtaining medicines, etc. is logged into a personal data base and will conceptually assist them at a later date. Would a program like this work in the United States? Would our society of what's in it for me volunteer time to the elderly if we didn't see an immediate return? It may be a question that we need to ask ourselves if this concept catches on.
February 8, 2009
Men Assuming the Caregiving Role
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and the Alzheimer's Association, men now make up 40% of family care providers. This number is up 19 percent from a similar study in 1996. Men have become more of a "hands on" style of caregiver in the past 10 years, straying from their roles of just taking care of financial records, arranging parent's schedules, etc. In some cases they are now the primary source for personal hygeine (including changing of incontinence supplies and bathing), meals, medications and other tasks that have in the past been left to a female relative such as a sister or wife. Why the change? Several factors such as more women being full time workers, smaller family and support roles and the rising costs off healthcare all have contributed.
February 7, 2009
Elderly and the Internet
When we started Fenway Medical, we wanted to design a web site for baby boomers who have taken on the responsbility of caring for their parent at home. We wanted www.fenwaymedical.com to be a place where medical and incontinence supplies could be ordered and shipped directly and discretely to your home. We also wanted our site to be a place where adults could go for caregiving advice since the majority of them would be taking on this change for the first time. Skeptics of our business, some of our own family members included, stated that our target audience is not internet saavy enough to utilize our services. Statements were made that the elderly and not so affluent population did not even have access to computers to gather the information that we provide.
A recent study by the Pew Research Center out of Washington DC shows that this is not the case. In research done from 2005 to 2008, the popluation ages 70-75 have increased their internet useage by 19%. One-fourth of this demographic was on-line in 2005 compared to 46% being on-line in 2008. Most elderly users access the internet for e-mail but as they become more familiar with the format, they will visit sites and informational pages such as Fenway Medical's. It is this audience and this demographic that we know will change as the world changes and who we hope we can provide with services that they need.
A recent study by the Pew Research Center out of Washington DC shows that this is not the case. In research done from 2005 to 2008, the popluation ages 70-75 have increased their internet useage by 19%. One-fourth of this demographic was on-line in 2005 compared to 46% being on-line in 2008. Most elderly users access the internet for e-mail but as they become more familiar with the format, they will visit sites and informational pages such as Fenway Medical's. It is this audience and this demographic that we know will change as the world changes and who we hope we can provide with services that they need.
February 5, 2009
One Step Away
When creating the Fenway Medical web site, I was aiming for a specific target audience of baby boomers who are now taking care of their elderly parents at home. During the process though, I have learned first hand that caregivers are not only tending to the needs of an older loved one.
My best friend in life has recently been overcome by frequent panic attacks and mild depression. Always a traveller and someone who has a zest for life, the past few months have taken their toll. I have been thrust into the caregiver role. Due to uncertainty about public places, I now am in charge of tasks such as shopping and picking up carry out. Frequent tiredness has required that I take on additional responsibilities around the house and in our friend circles.
I have learned several things during this experience. The first is to respect what your loved one brings to a relationship and the little things that they offer every day. Second, you need to take care of yourself. My site has published frequent advice on the health of the actual caregiver and how you need to also look after yourself. Maybe I didn't fully buy into this when just writing the words but now I understand. You may not feel that you have enough time in the day but as a caregiver you need to remember to care for you. And, if you are not currently a caregiver, keep in mind to look after yourself if you are given these responsibilities as we are all just one step away from being the rock that they look to for guidance.
My best friend in life has recently been overcome by frequent panic attacks and mild depression. Always a traveller and someone who has a zest for life, the past few months have taken their toll. I have been thrust into the caregiver role. Due to uncertainty about public places, I now am in charge of tasks such as shopping and picking up carry out. Frequent tiredness has required that I take on additional responsibilities around the house and in our friend circles.
I have learned several things during this experience. The first is to respect what your loved one brings to a relationship and the little things that they offer every day. Second, you need to take care of yourself. My site has published frequent advice on the health of the actual caregiver and how you need to also look after yourself. Maybe I didn't fully buy into this when just writing the words but now I understand. You may not feel that you have enough time in the day but as a caregiver you need to remember to care for you. And, if you are not currently a caregiver, keep in mind to look after yourself if you are given these responsibilities as we are all just one step away from being the rock that they look to for guidance.
February 3, 2009
A Grim Reality in Hawaii
A recent article in the Honolulu Advertiser highlighted the strain that the cost of elderly care is having on the state's middle class. A combination of the high costs of senior care, longer life expectancies and the country's current economic status are not only depleting the elderly's assets but also those of their children who are caring for them.
The cost of a semi-private room at a nursing facility in Hawaii ranks among the highest in the nation at just under $98,000 per year. This number is twice Hawaii's median annual household income. Less extensive assisted living facilities average a cost of $41,000 annually and the average yearly cost of adult daycare services is $15,000. According to the results found in a State of Hawaii Older Adults Needs Assessment, over 76% of seniors in the state indicate that they go without proper care because services offered cost too much. 31% say that services are not even available to them.
This is not just a problem in Hawaii. Across the United States, millions of people are being hit with economic hardships. These tough times are magnified when taking on the additional responsibilities of caring for a loved one.
The cost of a semi-private room at a nursing facility in Hawaii ranks among the highest in the nation at just under $98,000 per year. This number is twice Hawaii's median annual household income. Less extensive assisted living facilities average a cost of $41,000 annually and the average yearly cost of adult daycare services is $15,000. According to the results found in a State of Hawaii Older Adults Needs Assessment, over 76% of seniors in the state indicate that they go without proper care because services offered cost too much. 31% say that services are not even available to them.
This is not just a problem in Hawaii. Across the United States, millions of people are being hit with economic hardships. These tough times are magnified when taking on the additional responsibilities of caring for a loved one.
February 2, 2009
Good news for Seniors in the Stimulus Plan
There is potential good news for the elderly population included in the $900 billion stimulus package that President Obama has taken to the Senate. Should the package pass without change, seniors who receive Social Security benefits would receive a $300 payment from the government. A $300 check would also be sent to those covered under the Supplemental Security Income program for elderly and disabled people living in poverty. These checks are a one time only payment but any little bit can help seniors and their caregivers in today's economy.
January 31, 2009
Seniors and the Internet
I read an article today that stated that only 7% of the population 65 years and older utilize the internet daily. This number is going to change in the next decade as the baby boomers will move into this demographic. It is expected that 35% of "seniors" will be utilizing the web but this will be the equivalent of 65% of teens due to the larger amount of elderly in the nation's population. Fenway Medical has designed our site keeping this demographic change in mind. We feature products that many will need to utilize for loved ones or themselves. We have also installed a font changing tool on our site and hope in the near future to develop a virtual shopping cart to ease each transaction. Visit us often at www.fenwaymedical.com to watch how we change as our population changes.
January 29, 2009
Welcome to Fenway Medical
Thank you for visiting the Fenway Medical blog. We hope to offer professional insight into the growing world of elderly home care and provide you with the information that you need to take care of yourself as well as your loved one.
With more of us taking care of our parents outside a professional setting, we understand that your responsibilities are constantly changing and your valuable time is limited. Fenway Medical offers efficiency and value with our bulk medical supplies and we also are a professional advice source to help you with your care-giving. We appreciate your interest and look forward to helping you with your medical supply questions and needs.
Please come see what we have to offer at www.fenwaymedical.com.
With more of us taking care of our parents outside a professional setting, we understand that your responsibilities are constantly changing and your valuable time is limited. Fenway Medical offers efficiency and value with our bulk medical supplies and we also are a professional advice source to help you with your care-giving. We appreciate your interest and look forward to helping you with your medical supply questions and needs.
Please come see what we have to offer at www.fenwaymedical.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)